Testicular Cancer - An Overview!

Testicular cancer is a rare and serious disease in which malignant or cancer cells form in one or both tissues of testicles. It is the most common type of cancer in the males aged between 20 to 30 years. Testosterone and sperms are produced in the testicles of the males. Almost all testicular cancerous cells begin from germ cells. There are two types of germ cell tumors - Seminomas and Non-Seminomas respectively.

Seminomas and non-seminomas occur almost about equally. But a mixture of the two types of cells is treated as non-seminomas only. Further, the seminomas and non-seminomas are subdivided. The seminomas are divided into classical seminoma and spermatocytes-seminoma. And the non-seminomas are further divided into embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma and teratoma.

What causes testicular cancer?

The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown. Researchers have not been able to find out the reason that causes it. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances of having testicular cancer. An undescended testicle might be the cause of testicular cancer. Abnormal testicle contributes to the risk factors of the disease. If anyone has had the disease previously in the family, then it increases the risk factor. Also, research shows that white people are 4.5 times at more risk for testicular cancer than black people.

What are the symptoms?

Some may experience no symptoms of it at all, while others have symptoms like aching, the swelling in the scrotum, and sudden weight gain. A lump might also be noticed on either side of the testicles if affected by this disease. Hence, if these symptoms are observed, it is important to get a diagnosis by a medical expert. The symptoms are not yet clearly stated by the researchers, but the above-mentioned symptoms are said to be prevalent in people with testicular cancer.Do not try any measures to diagnose on your own, refer to the concerned doctor as this is a serious disease.

How to diagnose testicular cancer?

If a person, experiences any of the above-mentioned symptoms, the person must seek the medical help immediately. The doctor will prescribe a few tests to diagnose the condition. The tests include an Ultrasound to get the image of Scrotum and testicles and a few blood tests to know the levels of tumor markers in the blood. If these tests confirm a lump then a surgery is done to remove the lump and further test if the lump is cancerous. Also, the type and the stage of the cancer is determined.

What are the treatment options?

Treatments are decided depending on the stage and type of cancer. The different treatment options available are Surgery to remove testicles, Surgery to remove the nearby lymph nodes, Radiation therapy, and Chemotherapy.