Testicular cancer is rare and accounts for about 1% of all malignant neoplasms in men, but its incidence is increasing - the number of cases has doubled in the last 40 years. What are the causes and risk factors of testicular cancer? How do I recognize the symptoms of testicular cancer? What is diagnosis and treatment?

Testicular cancermainly affects young people under 40. In Poland, about 700 cases oftesticular cancer .

Male sex glands, or testicles, are located in the scrotum. One weighs 10.5-14 grams. In the parenchyma of both testicles there are nearly 200 so-called lobules. Each of them produces sperm - reproductive cells that travel to the epididymis, where they mature and prepare for the next journey.

During sexual intercourse, sperm is released through the vas deferens and urethra. After the sperm joins a mature egg (usually in the woman's body, in the fallopian tubes), a zygote is formed - the beginning of a new life. Unfortunately, a man who has no testicles is infertile.

Seminomas and non-seminomas constitute the largest group of testicular neoplasms. Seminomas usually affect men between the ages of 25 and 45, and non-seminomas are most common between the ages of 15 and 30.

Testicular cancer: causes and risk factors

As with other neoplastic diseases, it is not clear what is conducive to the development of testicular cancer. It certainly has to do with inheritance. However, as it turns out, the occurrence of cancer is also favored by:1

  • cryptorchidism (failure of the testicle to reach the scrotum) - cryptorchidism (10-40 times greater risk; 1-5% of boys with cryptorchidism will get sick) - orchidopexy reduces the risk, especially if performed before the age of 6
  • previous development of testicular cancer (cancer in situ is found in the second testicle in 2-5% of patients)
  • Klinefelter syndrome (extragalal neoplasms)

No relationship has been found between germ cell cancer and viral infections, trauma or estrogen use.1

Testicular cancer: symptoms

  • enlargement of part or the whole nucleus (one-sided and gradual)
  • enlarged testicle- hard- clearly heavier- painless

Only 25 percent sick insymptoms of inflammation or soreness are present at diagnosis.

Important

Not every lump in the testicle indicates cancer. There are many diseases that can cause swelling in the testicle and inflammation of the testicle, such as hydrocele, a build-up of fluid in the scrotum between the testicle and the scrotum itself. Such boats can be very large. They are not dangerous. They are treated surgically without the harmful consequences of the procedure.

Whenever a lump or testicle enlargement is detected, you should quickly contact a doctor who will make a diagnosis and choose a therapy.

Some tumors intensify male features (skin hair, especially on the face increases, and muscle volume increases), they can also cause feminization of the body (the volume of the mammary glands increases, the pitch of the voice increases).

Testicular cancer: diagnosis

An experienced doctor has a high probability of recognizing the neoplasm on palpation (by touch).

The diagnosis is confirmed by the USG result. Ultrasound examination is characterized by excellent sensitivity in detecting testicular cancer. It is believed that they should be performed in every man who has a testicular tumor.

Biological markers play an extremely important role in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer patients. In each patient with TC, the concentration of the following compounds should be determined:

  • alphafetoprotein (AFP)
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
  • lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Sometimes an additional computed tomography of the abdominal cavity is ordered.

You must do it

Contact your family doctor or urologist as soon as possible - if:

  1. you feel any hardening in the testicle (cancer most often occurs in one gland)
  2. you notice an enlargement or swelling of the testicle
  3. the core is hard and its surface is smooth or suspiciously rough
  4. you feel heavy in your scrotum and discomfort in your lower abdomen
  5. the testicles are painful when touched (often the patient feels no pain and disregards other symptoms. This is a mistake!)

Testicular cancer: treatment

The only effective treatment is to remove the testicle (orchidectomy) and, if necessary, the surrounding lymph nodes.

Then the removed tumor is examined histopathologically under the microscope and possible further treatment is recommended.

Sometimes a complementary treatment is chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy.

Early testicular cancer is almost 100 percent today. curable. Therefore, do not delay in starting treatment.

Removing one testicle does not significantly affect male fertility.The second testicle can produce enough sperm for fertilization.

A man after surgery can also lead a sexual life. The only visible effect of the treatment is the lack of a testicle.

If a man is bothered by this, he can undergo surgery to implant an artificial testicle into the scrotum. The procedure is not reimbursed by the National He alth Fund, and you have to pay about PLN 1,000 for the prosthesis.

Chemotherapy can cause erectile dysfunction and infertility - usually temporary, which usually disappears within 2 years of completing treatment.

It is a bit worse with radiotherapy. It can result in permanent infertility. Each patient must be informed about such consequences of treatment. Maybe earlier, before the procedure, use the so-called a sperm bank and deposit your reproductive cells for many years.

Testicular self-examination

Testicular cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in this gland. Since the abnormal cells can easily spread through blood vessels and lymphatic vessels to distant organs (e.g. lungs, liver, bones) in this case, it is very important not to underestimate any changes in the testicles and start treatment promptly.

Every man should have his testicles checked every month and at least once a year he should see a urologist. You have to do them every month.

It is enough to spend about 3 minutes on self-examination of the testicles:

  • Examine your testicles in the shower or by taking a warm bath. The skin of the scrotum is then soft and relaxed, so it is easier to feel any abnormalities.
  • Examine each kernel separately.
  • First, roll the testicle gently between your thumb and forefinger, checking if you can feel any lumps or lumps under the skin.
  • Pay attention to whether the testicles have not changed their appearance since the previous self-examination, e.g. if any of them have grown, if the skin is tense or its surface is rough.
  • Now press the testicle gently with your fingers - it will be he althy to the touch, soft and smooth. Hard and rough requires a medical consultation.
  • Don't panic if on the back wall you feel a small, hard lump connected to the testicle - this is the epididymis and the vas deferens
  • How a man should take care of his testicles
  • Testicular diseases: testicular torsion, varicocele, inflammation, cancer
About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts andrelationship. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Oncology