Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men, and mostly affects males aged between 20 and 40 years. Read more about testicular cancer here. Show
What Is Testicular Cancer?The testes comprise primitive cells that mature to become cells that make sperm (spermatozoa), which are important in sexual reproduction. There are also supporting cells that make enzymes and other fluid that enable the sperm to function properly. These primitive cells may become cancerous. Such tumours are called testicular germ cell cancers. How Common Is Testicular Cancer?Testicular cancer represents only about one percent to two percent of all cancers in males, but is one of the most common cancers in young men. Age of OnsetTesticular cancer occurs predominantly in males aged 20 years to 40 years. Symptoms of Testicular CancerTypically, patients present to their doctor with a painless lump in one or both testes. Occasionally, there may be a heavy or aching sensation in the testes. In advanced cancer, other symptoms may be present. For example, if cancer has spread to the lungs, there may be shortness of breath. Causes of Testicular Cancer and Risk FactorsMales who have a history of undescended testes (testes that did not descend to lie in the scrotum during development) have a much higher chance of developing testicular cancer. Other risk factors include history of testicular cancer in the other testis and family history of testicular cancer. Diagnosis of Testicular CancerUltrasonography of the testes will locate and delineate the size of the testicular lump. Blood tests are taken for tumour markers comprising of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and occasionally, the brain, is also performed to find out the extent of cancer. Testicular cancers may be seminomas or non-seminomatous germ cell tumours, depending on what cell type is found at examination of the cancer under the microscope. An orchidectomy (removal of the testis) or biopsy is done to obtain the diagnosis. Treatment for Testicular CancerTreatment for testicular cancer involves orchidectomy to remove the affected testis if the cancer is localised. If there is advanced cancer, orchidectomy may be done after chemotherapy in order to shrink the tumour first. Following surgery for early testicular cancer, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required to reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy is used if there is advanced cancer involving other organs such as the lungs or liver. Side effects of chemotherapy which are injected into veins include temporary nausea and vomiting, mouth ulcers, hair loss, loss of appetite, and tiredness. Prognosis for Testicular CancerClinical examinations, scans and pathology reports all help the medical team decide what is the stage of the germ cell tumour. The appropriate course of treatment may then be recommended. The treatment strategy will vary from person to person. The prognosis for testicular cancer is generally very good, and depends on the extent of the disease, the state of health of the individual, as well as response to treatment. With appropriate treatment, cure rates of up to 80 percent have been reported even for patients with advanced testicular germ cell tumour. Patients with early-stage testicular cancer have reported cure rates of more than 95 percent with appropriate treatment. Close monitoring of blood markers, together with radiological assessment, is essential to detect early recurrence of cancer. Frequently Asked QuestionsI Have Had a Lump in My Testis For a While. It is Not Painful. Testicular cancer is usually not painful. If there is a lump, seek early medical attention. Although it may not be cancerous, it is better to have it checked. I Have Only One Testis. Do I Still Have to Check for Testicular Cancer? Yes. Normally, two testes are formed in the embryo, which descend before birth to lie in the scrotum. Occasionally, one or both testes do not descend. There is a higher chance of cancer developing in undescended testes. Therefore, it is advisable to seek early medical attention. Surgery may be required to bring the testis back into the scrotum. Will Cancer Treatment for Testicular Cancer Affect My Ability to Have Children in the Future? How Can This Be Mitigated? Yes, fertility will be affected by chemotherapy, and as such your physician will likely refer you to a reproductive clinic for cryopreservation of your sperm to be used at a later stage after treatment, should the need arise. Blood tests can check for proteins called tumour markers
You might also have blood tests to:
Tumour markersHigher than normal levels of particular proteins could mean you have testicular cancer. Testicular cancers can make 3 different markers:
Not all testicular cancers make these chemicals. You could have a cancer without raised marker levels. And other conditions can raise tumour marker levels. So this test cannot diagnose testicular cancer on its own, you need to have other tests alongside it. Raised levels are more common in some types of testicular cancer than others. Non seminoma cancers tend to have higher levels more often than pure seminomas. Your doctor tests the levels of markers in your blood throughout your treatment and afterwards. These tests help to show how well treatment works and can show if the cancer has come back. Preparing for your blood testsYou can eat and drink normally before most blood tests. For fasting blood tests you need to stop eating and drinking beforehand. Your doctor will tell you for how long. What happens?You sit or lie down to have the test. A doctor, nurse or phlebotomist (person specialised in taking blood) chooses the best vein to use. This is usually from your arm or hand. Let them know if you are afraid of needles, get unwell with the sight of blood or are allergic to plasters or latex. They put a tight band (tourniquet) around your arm above the area where they take the sample. You may need to clench your fist to make it easier to find a vein. They clean your skin and then put a small needle into your vein. Next, they attach a small bottle or syringe to the needle to draw out some blood. They might fill several small bottles. Once they have all the samples, they release the band around your arm. They then take the needle out and put pressure on the area with a cotton wool ball or small piece of gauze for a few minutes. This helps to stop bleeding and bruising. Look away when they’re taking the blood if you prefer. Tell your doctor, nurse or phlebotomist if you feel unwell. Possible risks of having a blood testBlood sampling (phlebotomy) is a safe test. There is a possibility of:
Getting your resultsAsk the phlebotomist, doctor or nurse when and how you will get your results. Some results might be available very quickly, such as a full blood count and kidney and liver function tests. Other tests might take several weeks. What are 5 warning signs of testicular cancer?Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:. A lump or swelling in either testicle.. A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.. A dull ache in the lower belly or groin.. Sudden swelling in the scrotum.. Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.. Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue.. Back pain.. Can testicular cancer be picked up in a blood test?Some blood tests can help diagnose testicular tumors. Many testicular cancers make high levels of certain proteins called tumor markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). When these tumor markers are in the blood, it suggests that there's a testicular tumor.
What do testicular cancers feel like?Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in 1 of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles. The swelling or lump can be about the size of a pea, but may be larger.
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How do they check for testicular cancer
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