Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35. However, it accounts for only 1 percent of all cancers in men.
Cancer that develops within one or both testicles is called testicular cancer. It is one of the most curable forms of cancer.
One of the major risk factors for testicular cancer is cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles have not descended into the scrotum. Normally, testicular descent occurs before birth.
Other risk factors include:
- Klinefelter's syndrome (an inherited disorder)
- A family history of testicular cancer
- Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Exposure before birth to the hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES), which in the past was sometimes prescribed to pregnant women
Treatments and Procedures
Most men with testicular cancer can be cured with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's age, general health, and other individual factors.
The three types of standard treatment are described below:
Surgery:
To remove the testicle through an incision in the groin is called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. Men may be concerned that losing a testicle will affect their ability to have sexual intercourse or make them sterile. However, a man with one healthy testicle can still have a normal erection and produce sperm.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually given as adjuvant therapy (after surgery) to destroy any remaining cancer cells. It may also be used as initial treatment if the cancer has spread beyond the testicle at diagnosis. Most anticancer drugs are given through injection into a vein.
Technology Used
Apart from surgery and chemotherapy, modern technologies used for testicular cancer treatment include Radiology and Radiation Oncology, which are advanced imaging techniques helpful in cancer detection and management.
Technologies for detection of cancer:
- Computerized Tomography (CT)
- Nuclear Medicine
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- PET Fusion
The oncology clinic consists of physicians specializing in testicular cancer and its metastases. Our team includes experts in oncology, hematology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology. You can be confident you're receiving top-quality, comprehensive care, with collaboration across specialties to provide the best outcomes in testicular cancer treatment.
Testicular Cancer Overview
Risk Factors
- Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
- Family history of testicular cancer
- Age between 15–35 years
- HIV infection
- Abnormal testicle development
Signs & Symptoms
- Lump or swelling in one testicle
- Heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in abdomen or groin
- Sudden fluid buildup in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle
Prevention
- Monthly testicular self-exams
- Seek treatment for undescended testicles
- Regular physical checkups
- Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Testicular Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions
- A lump or swelling in one testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue (in rare cases)
- Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
- Family history of testicular cancer
- History of abnormal testicle development
- HIV infection
- Previous testicular cancer (in the other testicle)
- Physical exam
- Ultrasound of the testicles
- Blood tests for tumor markers (AFP, hCG, LDH)
- CT scans (to check if the cancer has spread)
- Surgical removal of the testicle may be needed for a definite diagnosis
- Surgery (orchiectomy – removal of the affected testicle)
- Radiation therapy (used mainly for seminomas)
- Chemotherapy (for more advanced stages or non-seminomas)
- Surveillance (monitoring for low-risk cases)
- Perform monthly testicular self-exams
- Look for lumps, swelling, or changes in shape/size
- See a doctor immediately if you notice anything unusual
