Preventing Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer occurs when cells in the testicles (the male reproductive glands) grow out of control. There are two types of testicular cancer: seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas are slower-growing tumors and tend to respond well to treatment. Non-seminomas are more aggressive tumors but usually respond well to treatment.

Testicular Cancer Causes and Types

Testicular cancer is rare but the most common in young men between 15 and 44. There is no definitive cause of testicular cancer. However, several risk factors may increase a man's chances of developing the disease. These testicular cancer causes include:

A family history: Men with a father or brother who has had the disease are twice as likely to develop it themselves.

A history of undescended testicles: Testicles that have not descended into the scrotum (the sac that contains the testicles) are more susceptible to developing cancer because they get exposed to higher temperatures, which can damage the DNA of the cells and lead to tumor growth.

Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome and Carcinoma in situ of the testicle, affect male reproductive organs. Klinefelter syndrome is characterized by two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. Carcinoma in situ is a precancerous condition in which abnormal cells are present in the testicles but have not spread to other tissues.

Exposure to certain chemicals: Vinyl chloride is a synthetic chemical that produces plastic PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Herbicides are chemicals used to kill plants.

HIV/AIDS: Men with HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to developing various types of cancer, including testicular cancer.

Previous treatment for testicular cancer. Men with testicular cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease again.

A history of mumps orchitis: Inflammation of the testicles caused by the mumps virus can increase the risk of developing testicular cancer.

Testicular trauma: Men with injuries to their testicles are at increased risk for developing testicular cancer.

Cigarette smoking: Men who smoke cigarettes are more likely to develop testicular cancer than men who do not smoke.

There are two main types of testicular cancer: seminomas and non-seminomas.

• Seminomas are the less common type of tumor, accounting for about 30% of all testicular cancers. They tend to grow slowly and are typical in men over 40. Non-seminomas are the more common type of tumor, accounting for about 70% of all testicular cancers. Men under 40 typically experience faster growth of these. The most common type of seminoma is classic seminoma. This subtype makes up about 80% of all seminomas. Classic seminomas tend to grow slowly and respond well to treatment. The other types of seminoma include spermatocytic seminoma and embryonal cell carcinoma. Spermatocytic seminomas make up about 10% of all seminomas. Men over 50 usually develop these at a slower rate compared to classic seminomas. Embryonal cell carcinomas make up about 5% of all seminomas. These typically grow faster than classic seminomas and are usually found in men under 40.
•  Non-Seminoma: The most common type of non-seminoma is a yolk sac tumor. This subtype makes up about 30% of all non-seminomas. Yolk sac tumors multiply quickly and are common in young boys. The other types of non-seminoma include choriocarcinoma, teratoma, and mixed germ cell tumors. Choriocarcinomas make up about 5% of all non-seminomas. They typically increase and are usually found in men under 30. Teratomas make up about 10% of all non-seminomas. They tend to grow slowly and are typical in men over 40. Mixed germ cell tumors combine two or more types of testicular cancer. They comprise about 25% of all non-seminomas and can be composed of any combination of the above subtypes.

Testicular Cancer Symptoms and Complications

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or mass in the testicles. This lump may be painless initially, but it can cause pain and discomfort as it grows. Other testicular cancer symptoms include:

• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• A change in how the testicle feels
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue
• Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the scrotum

If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is crucial to see a doctor. This is to rule out other potential causes and to determine if testicular cancer is present. It's important to remember that testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when detected early. Therefore, seeking medical help as soon as possible is key if there is a suspicion of the disease.

Testicular cancer is a severe disease that can have significant complications. However, it is essential to remember that the vast majority of men who are diagnosed with the condition get cured. With early detection and treatment, the chances of a cure are even higher. Some complications include:

Pain and discomfort: Testicular cancer can cause pain and discomfort in the testicles or scrotum.

Infertility: Testicular cancer can damage the reproductive organs and lead to infertility.

Lymphedema: A condition that occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged, and fluid builds up in the tissues. It can cause swelling and pain in the affected area.

Psychological difficulties: Testicular cancer can have a significant psychological impact, particularly if it leads to infertility or sexual dysfunction.

Testicular Cancer Treatment 

The treatment depends on the stage of the disease. The stage is determined by how far the cancer has spread. It typically gets divided into four stages:

Stage I: The cancer confines itself to the testicle.

Stage II: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen.

Stage III: Cancer has spread to other body parts, such as the lungs or brain.

Stage IV: Cancer has recurred after treatment, or surgery cannot remove it.

The most common treatment for testicular cancer is surgery.

• Surgery: A radical inguinal orchiectomy is the most common surgery for testicular cancer. This surgery involves removing the entire testicle and surrounding lymph nodes. Sometimes, the surgeon may also need to remove part of the spermatic cord. This surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours. After surgery, the tissue from the removed testicle is sent to a lab to examine under a microscope. This examination helps the doctor determine if any cancer cells are left behind and what type of treatment an individual needs. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, they may need additional treatment, such as:
•  Chemotherapy: This type of cancer treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously (through a vein) or orally (in pill form).
•  Radiation therapy: This cancer treatment uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given externally (from a machine outside the body) or internally (from a radioactive source inside).
•  Topical treatment: A new cream-based therapy has shown positive results in treating different types of cancer. Visit this website for more information about this treatment.

Complications of testicular cancer treatment include:

Surgery Complications. Complications from surgery to remove the testicle can include pain, infection, and damage to the surrounding nerves and blood vessels.

Radiation Complications. Complications from radiation therapy can include fatigue, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal problems.

Chemotherapy Complications. Complications from chemotherapy can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and infertility.

Preventing Testicular Cancer

Although there is no sure way to prevent testicular cancer, there are some things a person can do to reduce their risk.

Self-Examination. A person needs to perform a self-examination of their testicles monthly. This examination can help them identify any changes in the size or shape of their testicles. If they notice any changes, they must see a doctor immediately.

Healthy lifestyle choices. Healthy lifestyle choices (such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet) can help reduce the risk of testicular cancer.

Avoiding harmful substances. Avoiding exposure to toxic substances, such as cigarettes and other tobacco products, can help reduce the risk of testicular cancer.

Early detection. Early detection is critical to successful treatment. If a person has symptoms, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is vital.