Cancer that forms and grows in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive organ system, is called testicular cancer. The tumour present in the testicles can be malignant. It is a malignant tumour that causes cancer....CONTINUE READING
The positive thing about this cancer is that the cure and recovery rates are very high. Even for cases that have become severe, chemotherapy provides at least 80% of a cure rate.
Usually, this type of cancer can be detected early. Men mainly discover the problems themselves as they self-examine and see a doctor as soon as necessary. The chances of cure and recovery are usually 95% to 99% and survival rates are also high.
However, sometimes testicular cancer has no symptoms and can go undetected, risking the growth and spread of the disease throughout the body. This is why doctors recommend that men have a regular check-up every now and then to keep an eye on their health and take protective measures.
What can cause testicular cancer?
The exact cause of testicular cancer is not known to date. Doctors suggest that it is caused when healthy cells present in the testicle are altered. When these cells develop abnormalities, they start dividing incessantly.
This causes the accumulation of mass in the testicles which ultimately leads to the growth of tumours.
Testicular Cancer Symptoms and Causes:
According to Healthline experts – This article explains what are the causes and symptoms of testicular cancer that will help you take treatment measures before you suffer.
Testicular Cancer Causes:
Given below are the top 10 risk factors or causes of testicular cancer:
1. undescended testicle:
The primary cause of testicular cancer can be attributed to an undescended testicle or cryptorchidism. Normally, in the womb, the male child’s testicles descend into the scrotum at birth or in the first year of the baby’s life. However, if the testicles do not descend, it increases the chances of testicular cancer to almost three times.
2. Fertility problems:
In some cases, testicular cancer was also found to be linked to poor sperm quality and fertility problems. A significant link has been found between the risk of testicular cancer and fertility problems.
3. Carcinoma In Situ Of The Testicle:
Carcinoma in situ is a medical condition that refers to the presence of abnormal cells in the testicle. Though this condition is not cancerous, if left untreated it can develop cancer as witnessed in 50% of cases.
4. Family history:
Recent research has also confirmed that family history of testicular cancer increases the risk of the same. If your father had a case of testicular cancer, then your chances of being affected increases to about 4 times.
5. Previous case of cancer:
Doctors suggest that developing testicular cancer for the second time in men who have already been affected with the same increases 12 times compared to other men who have never developed testicular cancer in their lifetime.
6. HIV or AIDS:
Combined analyses suggest that the chances of developing testicular cancer is higher in men who have been infected with HIV or AIDS.
7. Testicular lesions:
There is no direct link between sports strains or lesions and testicular cancer. However, the injury leads to lumps and swellings in the testicles that make it difficult to identify the growth of the tumour.
8. Vasectomy:
Though there is no strong evidence suggesting the link between vasectomy and testicular cancer, but the risk has been found to be comparatively high.
9. Ethnic Background:
The occurrence of testicular cancer is more prevalent in men belonging to social and racial groups. Though the exact cause is not known for the same.
10. Height:
According to recent research, it has been found that men who are comparatively taller are more likely to develop testicular cancer than shorter men.
Testicular Cancer Symptoms:
There are several signs and symptoms to follow or observe any discomfort in your organ. Here are some general sign symptoms that may suggest testicular cancer. But a medical consultation is a must.
1. Testis Enlargement:
The first and most common symptom is swelling or enlargement of the testis. It can also be an irregular swelling. There is a feeling of hardness in the swollen area. The lump is usually painless.
2. A small lump:
The appearance of a small lump is one of the first symptoms of testicular cancer. These lumps look like the size of a pea and are present in the testicles. Normally, healthy testicles feel soft and bumpy due to the presence of blood vessels, reproductive tissue, and sperm tubes. Make an appointment with your doctor when
you feel any hardened areas or lumps in your testicles. These small lumps may not necessarily become a sign of developing cancer and may be caused by some minor medical conditions like varicocele, inguinal hernia, or spermatocele.
3. Pain:
A dull pain in the lower abdomen or groin, testicle, or scrotum may occur.
Discomfort or pain can be caused for various reasons. The pain or tenderness may even be felt in the absence of any lump. Under normal circumstances, any kind of pain in the body should not be taken lightly and should be consulted with a doctor to examine the root cause and follow necessary treatments.
4. Changes in the Testicle:
There is usually a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. One of your testicles may become firmer than the other. There may also be numbness, tenderness, or changes in the size of the testicles.
5. Blood clot formation:
In some cases of testicular cancer, most of the above symptoms do not appear at all, making diagnosis even more difficult. In men who have crossed the age of 40, the first symptom of testicular cancer may be the development of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a general term, is referred to as a blood clot.
During the early stages of testicular cancer, DVT forms in the large veins and is accompanied by swelling and pain in the affected leg. However, if, in some cases, the blood clot reaches the lung, it can lead to shortness of breath, and the condition can be extremely serious.
6. Immense Feeling in the Scrotum: Normally,
both testicles feel similar. However, if you notice any change in either testicle, like one of the testicles is heavier, fuller, or firmer compared to the other, do not ignore the problem.
The heaviness in your testicles can be an early symptom of developing cancer. Some fluid may also collect in the scrotum. Visit your doctor to prevent the problem from becoming serious.
7. Tenderness Of Breast Tissue:
Tenderness of breast tissue may even be symptomatic of developing testicular cancer. In some rare cases, the growth of the tumor causes the production of the female hormone called estrogen.
This imbalance between the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone estrogen can lead to a medical condition referred to as “gynaecomastia.”
In this condition, the male breast tissues become tender and even swell to resemble those of a woman. While gynaecomastia can be caused due to poor nutrition or the effects of certain medications, it should not be ignored and immediately consulted with a doctor.
8. Shortness of Breath:
In the later stages of development, testicular cancer can even spread to the lungs, brain, or liver. Shortness of breath, chronic cough, or chest pain may prove to be the symptoms of testicular cancer that has affected the lungs. Abdominal swelling and pain are indicative that the cancer has spread to the liver and lymph nodes.
When cancer has metastasized to the brain, it causes severe headaches and a sense of confusion. When you encounter any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice to identify and treat the problem correctly.
9. Swelling and pain in other parts of the body:
Other symptoms include lower back pain, blood in phlegm or sputum, chest pain, shortness of breath. Both legs may also swell, and a pulmonary embolism may develop. Headaches are also very common in this case.
10. Early signs of puberty:
In some cases of testicular cancer, tumour growth also accelerates the production of male sex hormones. Although the occurrence of this type of cancer is very rare in pre-pubescent boys, it cannot be completely excluded.
If your son has suddenly started showing some of the first signs of puberty, it could unfortunately turn out to be one of the symptoms of testicular cancer.
When you notice sudden changes in your boy that are unusual for his age, such as coarseness of voice, growth of body and facial hair, it is best to take him to a doctor and discuss the problem. This will help curb the problem at an early stage.
Stages of testicular cancer:
Determining testicular cancer and placing the stages into watertight compartments can be quite complex. Here is a short guide to easily understand the various stages of this malignant disease:
Stage 0:
At this stage, the cancer cells are only found in the seminiferous tubes of the testicles. They remain in these tubes and have not spread to the other parts of the body. The levels of markers are also normal.
Stage IA:
This is when the tumour cells grow outside the seminiferous tubes but remain inside the testicles. No other parts of the body are affected by the cells.
Stage 1B:
The tumour cells have grown out of the testicles but have not affected other parts like the lymph nodes.
Stage 1S:
Similar symptoms to AI, but tumor marker levels are higher than normal (S1).
Stage II:
This is when tumor cells start to affect one or more lymph nodes but have not spread to other parts of the body. The cells have grown in the lymph nodes larger than 2 mm but smaller than 5 mm. No other parts of the body have been affected by the cells, but the marker levels are higher than normal (S2).
Stage III:
The growth is still inside the testicles and may have affected one or more lymph nodes, but the marker levels are higher than normal (S3).
If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the better. These symptoms can sometimes be signs of other problems that aren’t as serious as cancer but still necessitate medical attention.So it’s good to visit that man’s chambers with a stethoscope once in a while!
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