Cells in the body normally divide (reproduce) only when new cells are needed. Sometimes cells will divide for no reason and without order, creating a mass of tissue called a tumor. Tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor in a testicle. The testicles are oval-shaped sex glands in a sac of skin called the scrotum. The scrotum is located behind the penis.
This type of cancer, although relatively rare, mostly affects men between the ages of 15 and 40.
But this cancer can affect males of any age including infants and the elderly.
How Can I Protect Myself From Testicular Cancer?
You can protect yourself from testicular cancer by doing a monthly testicular self-exam. Testicular self-exam is a way that men can examine themselves to look for signs of cancer of the testicles. To do a self-exam, follow these steps.
- Do the exam after a warm shower or bath. The warmth relaxes the skin of the scrotum, making it easier to feel for anything unusual.
- Use both hands to examine each testicle. Place your index and middle fingers underneath the testicle and your thumbs on top. Roll the testicle between your thumbs and fingers. (It's normal for testicles to be different in size.)
- As you feel the testicle, you may notice a cord-like structure on top and in back of the testicle. This structure is called the epididymis. It stores and transports sperm. Do not confuse it with a lump.
- Feel for any lumps. Lumps can be pea-size or larger and are often painless. If you notice a lump, contact your doctor. Also check for any change in size, shape or consistency of the testes.
- You should also get a physical exam once a year.
After a while, you will know how your testicles feel and will be more alert to any changes.
What Are the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer?
Symptoms of testicular cancer include:
- A lump in either testicle.
- An enlarged (swollen) testicle.
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
- A sudden gathering of fluid in the scrotum.
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms of Testicular Cancer?
If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, don't panic. Many times, changes in the testicles are not cancer. But, you should contact your doctor to find the cause of your symptoms.
What Should I Expect When I Go to the Doctor?
During your visit, you will be asked to talk about your symptoms and any illnesses you have had in the past. The doctor will feel the scrotum for lumps. Samples of blood and urine may be taken for testing. An ultrasound examination of the scrotum and its contents may be performed. (Ultrasound is a painless test that creates images by using high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through body tissues.) You also may be given a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan.
When cancer is present, the testicle must be removed. Removing the testicle should not lead to problems with having children or sex. The remaining testicle will continue making sperm and the male hormone testosterone. To re-establish a normal appearance, a man may be able to have a testicular prosthesis surgically implanted in the scrotum which looks and feels like a normal testicle.
Can Testicular Cancer Be Cured?
Most cases of testicular cancer can be cured, even if the cancer has spread.
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