Testicular cancer is a disease that affects the testicles, the male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone. Here's a breakdown of key information:
- Symptoms:
- The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle.
- Other symptoms can include:
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
- Sudden fluid collection in the scrotum.
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.
- Risk Factors:
- Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism).
- Family history of testicular cancer.
- Age (most common in young men).
- Being white.
- Diagnosis:
- Physical examination.
- Ultrasound.
- Blood tests (tumor markers).
- Surgical removal of the testicle (orchiectomy) for definitive diagnosis.
- Treatment:
- Surgery.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy.
- The treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer.
- Importance of Self-Examination:
- Regular testicular self-exams are crucial for early detection.
Key Points:
- Relatively Rare, Highly Curable:
- While not a common cancer, it's the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 35.
- It has a very high cure rate, especially when detected early