Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is a highly treatable, usually curable cancer originating in the testicle, the egg-shaped male reproductive structure(s) found in the scrotum. Any lump or firm area within the testicle should be evaluated to be sure it is not a tumor – half of tumors are painless. It is common for men to delay reporting such areas – it is important to contact your personal physician or a urologist immediately if such an area is noticed.
Facts about testicular cancer
- Cure rates for TC are between 85 and 100 per cent
- TC is rare, ordinarily occurring only in one testicle
- TC is the most common cancer in men 15-35 years old
- Men should do a monthly testicular self examination, best done after a warm bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed
- A man can still have a normal sex life and father children, even after one testicle has been removed
How is testicular cancer diagnosed?
- Ultrasound, a non-invasive radiologic procedure, is used to examine any suspicious lump noticed in the scrotum or testicle
- Often a blood sample may be obtained
- Areas suspicious for cancer would likely need to be removed and the specimen tested for cancer
- Sometimes further studies such as x-rays or CT scanning might be recommended
How is testicular cancer treated?
- Tumors suspicious for cancer are removed through a small groin incision
- Later treatment depends on the type of tumor. Testicular cancers are categorized by the kind of cell that they come from, and the stage it is in—which defines how much the cancer has spread
- The cancer “type” and “stage” determine if further surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy might improve cure rates
