Testicular Cancer
Introduction
Testicular cancer is cancer that arises from the testes. Majority of testicular cancers occur in young men under 40 years.
What causes a testicular cancer?
The exact cause of testicular cancer is not known. What is known is that some cells become abnormal and continue to divide out of control leading to the development of cancer in the testes. Some of the factors associated with testicular cancer include infertility, undescended testes, family history of testicular cancer.
What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
Cancer of the testis commonly appears as a painless lump in one side of the scrotum. It is normally rapidly growing. Other symptoms are related to the extent of spread of the cancer.
How is testicular cancer detected?
The initial and most critical step is detection on swelling in the scrotum after which he will perform the following test:
- Ultrasound: Your doctor will then perform an ultrasound which shows the nature of the swelling
- Blood tests are done to check for markers of testicular cancers. Markers are proteins which are produced by the testicular cancer.
- CT scan is done to assess the extent of spread of the testicular cancer,
What are the treatment options for testicular cancer?
Treatment of testicular cancer is mainly dependent on the exent of spread of the cancer. Cancer which is limited to the testis can be completely removed and cured by ochidectomy(surgical removal of testes).
Depending on the pathology report, additional treatment is offered and may include:
- Chemotherarpy
- Radiotherary
Does treatment of testicular cancer affect fertility?
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy destroy the source of sperm in the remaining testis. Treatment of testicular cancer thus leads to infertility.
Individuals who still wish to have a baby should therefore consider preservation of sperms before treatment with either chemo- or radiotherapry is commenced.