Testicular cancer (tumor)
Pelvis | Oncology | Testicular cancer (tumor) (Disease)
Description
Testicular cancer is a disease that occurs when the cells in testicle multiply in an uncontrolled manner. The testicles are two male genital organs that produce and store sperm. The testicles also produce testosterone, a male hormone. They are located in a bag, below the penis called the scrotum.
Common symptoms of testicular cancer are: Swelling and / or a cystic formation in one or both testicles, testicular or scrotal pain may be absent;Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum; Feeling of painful embarrassment in the lower abdomen, groin or lower back.
Causes and Risk factors
Testicular cancer is most common in whites, Africans and Asians are unusual. Although rare, testicular cancer is more common in men between 20 and 34 years. It is considered as one of the most curable forms of cancer, especially when detected earlier.
The exact cause of the testicular cancer is unknown. However, some situations might increase the chances of developing testicular cancer, as follows: An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism), which occurs when a testicle does not descend from the abdomen into the scrotum, the testicles normally descend into the scrotum before birth or male fetus in the first 3 months after birth; Infertility; Klinefelter syndrome: a genetic disease affecting men (usually men have one X chromosome and one Y but those with Klinefelter syndrome have at least two X chromosomes and in rare cases even three or four); Family history of testicular cancer.
Although it was proved that these conditions increase the risk for testicular cancer, most men with this cancer do not have any of the above situations.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Some doctors recommend that men between 15 and 40 monthly testicular self-exam. Others do not consider monthly examination as required men with average risk of developing cancer. Monthly examination may be recommended for men with testicular cancer risk, including those with one or more of the above circumstances. Men at high risk should be examined regularly by your doctor as painless changes in self-examination may go unnoticed.
The options for treating your testicular cancer depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and your own preferences. Treatment options may include: surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. ...