Testicular Cancer

[scotgirl]

NF Men .....you spend most of your day touching your dangly bits!!! now really touch them! and start REALLY getting to know your BITS! and noticing any changes!


About testicular cancer
A testicular tumour (cancer) is caused by cells dividing uncontrollably. They can sometimes spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream or lymph system.



Testicular cancer can spread to the lymph nodes (also known as glands), for example in your abdomen (tummy), or form tumours in the lungs or other organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.

About the testicles
The testicles are located inside the scrotum, the loose bag of skin that hangs below the penis. From the start of puberty, each testicle produces sperm and the hormone testosterone.


The position of the testicles and surrounding structures

Types of testicular cancer
There are two main types of testicular cancer: seminoma and non-seminoma (including teratoma). The names refer to the type of cell that makes up the tumour.

Very rarely, another type of cancer, called a lymphoma, can occur in the testicles. This is cancer of the lymphatic tissue (which forms part of the immune system). It's the most common testicular cancer in men over 50.

Symptoms of testicular cancer
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a hard, pea-sized lump on one testicle. Other symptoms include:

a pulling sensation or feeling of unusual heaviness in the scrotum
a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen
pain or discomfort (which may come and go) in the testicle or scrotum
collection of fluid in the scrotum (called a hydrocele)
feeling unwell and tired
Very rarely, if the cancer is at a later stage, symptoms can include breast tenderness, back pain, shortness of breath and coughing up blood.

These symptoms don't always mean you have testicular cancer, but see your doctor if you're concerned.

Causes of testicular cancer
The causes of testicular cancer are unknown. However, the number of men who develop it is increasing and research is being done to find out why.

The greatest risk is for men born with an undescended testicle (one that remains in the abdominal cavity rather than descending into the scrotum). Boys who don't have the condition corrected by the age of 11 may be up to 32 times more likely to develop testicular cancer later.

Other risk factors include:

having a brother or father who had testicular cancer
fertility problems
being from a wealthier social group
being white
having a rare complication of mumps called orchitis (painful swelling of the testicles)
A vasectomy or injury to the testicles doesn't cause testicular cancer.

Diagnosis of testicular cancer
Most lumps in the scrotum aren't cancer - less than one in 25. However, if you're worried, visit your GP or a sexual health clinic. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and examine you. He or she will also ask you about your medical history.

You may be referred to a specialist. An ultrasound scan can help diagnose cancer. You will also have blood tests to assess the levels of 'tumour markers' - proteins produced by a tumour.

The only way to confirm testicular cancer is with a biopsy. In other types of cancer this involves removing a small sample of tissue, but for testicular cancer the affected testicle will be removed completely. This is called an orchidectomy. If a biopsy is done in the usual way, the risk of cancer spreading is high. Removing one testicle won't affect your fertility or ability to have erections.

You may be offered other tests including a CT or MRI scan or a chest X-ray to see if the cancer has spread.

Assessing how far the cancer has spread is called staging. The stages are:

stage 1 - cancer in the testicle only
stage 2 - cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen
stage 3 - there are cancer cells in the lymph nodes in the chest or above the collarbone
stage 4 - cancer has spread to other organs
Treatment of testicular cancer
Treatment for testicular cancer is usually very successful. The type you have depends on the cancer and how far it has spread.

[Lingleha]

Thanx for this Scotgirl. Very informative and should be a regular 'maintenance' programe for all men.