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Testicular cancer develops in the tissue of one or both testicles (testes), the two egg-shaped glands in the scrotum — the sac of loose skin below the penis. Part of the male reproductive system, the testicles make male hormones and sperm.
Who gets it
Testicular cancer is very rare. It can occur at any age but is most common in men aged 20 to 39. It is also more common in people who:
- had abnormal testicle development;
- had an undescended testicle, one that did not move into the scrotum before birth;
- have had testicular cancer before;
- have a family history of it;
- are White.
Symptoms
- a painless lump or swelling in either testicle;
- a change in how a testicle feels;
- a dull ache in the lower belly or groin (where thigh meets abdomen);
- a sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum;
- pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.
Diagnosis
A provider may use a physical exam, blood tests and an ultrasound of the testicles. Diagnosis may involve an inguinal orchiectomy — removing the whole testicle — so that tissue can be examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
Treatment
Testicular cancer can usually be cured. Options include:
| Treatment | Notes |
|---|---|
| Surgery | If the testicle wasn't already removed during diagnosis |
| Radiation therapy | |
| Chemotherapy | |
| High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant | |
| Surveillance | Often after surgery: regular exams and tests, with no further treatment unless results change |
Fertility and follow-up
Some treatments can cause infertility, so anyone who may want children later should consider sperm banking before treatment. After treatment, regular follow-up tests check that the cancer hasn't returned. Having had cancer in one testicle raises the risk in the other, so check it regularly and tell your provider about any changes or unusual symptoms.
Sources
Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Testicular Cancer," National Library of Medicine, with a summary from NIH's National Cancer Institute; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence : CC0 1.0 (domaine public) · Adapté de medlineplus.gov
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