Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 20-40. Overall, it is rare to get testicular cancer and is one of the more treatable types of cancers. The average age of a testicular cancer patient is 33 years old, but we always recommend every male, no matter the age, to do monthly testicular self-exams to check for any abnormality. If you notice any changes, make an appointment with Dr. Shaba to examine. They say that 75% of masses on the testicle itself end up being testicular cancer, but you must remember that when examining yourself, the epididymis hugs the testicle mostly on the top, back and lower parts. Many people confuse the epididymis itself or cysts or inflammation of the epididymis as testicular cancer. Almost all irregularities with the epididymis are benign in nature (not cancerous or dangerous to your body).
There are 2 main types of testicular cancers- Seminoma and Non-seminoma. Each type comes from a certain cell type. The Non-seminoma tumors are subclassified. Each type of cancer has different aggressiveness and treatments can also vary. Overall, testicular cancer is very treatable if discovered early. Self-exams are key!
Symptoms:
- Testicular Mass/Swelling
- Testicular Discomfort/Heaviness/Pain (although most testicular cancers are painless)
Risk Factors:
- Family History of testicular cancer
- Personal history of undescended testicles (even if you had surgery to repair as a baby)
Evaluation and Diagnosis:
PLEASE DO SELF EXAMS ONCE A MONTH- Look for any changes or lumps or growths. Don’t be embarrassed to get checked out by a urologist if you notice anything (even if it could be normal). It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Evaluation by a urologist would include an exam and then a scrotal ultrasound.
If ultrasound confirms a mass, your doctor will order some blood work as well. The blood work doesn’t confirm or rule out testicular cancer but can help in diagnosis and more importantly monitor how effective treatment is going.
Treatment:
Surgery (Radical Orchiectomy- removal of the testicle)- all testicular masses must be removed. These surgeries are done under anesthesia and the removal of the testicle must be done from the inguinal region (above the testicle) to ensure the whole testicle and mass are removed together and without disruption of blood vessels and lymphatics. This helps to control the tumor and prevent local spread.
Once surgery is performed, your doctor will repeat the blood work (tumor markers) within a few weeks and will order some specialized X-rays. Usually a CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis are ordered to rule out any spread of the disease.
Depending on what the pathology and imaging studies show, will depend on whether you will need further treatment.
Some testicular cancer can be treated with surgery alone. Others may require radiation, chemotherapy, or even subsequent surgery if there are any masses in the abdomen. Dr. Shaba will have you see an oncologist as well to help make some of these decisions and treatments if needed.
For more information please visit: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/t/testicular-cancer
