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What is testicular cancer?
The testis is part of the male reproductive system. Testicular cancer is a disease in which the cells in one or both testicles begin to grow out of control.
What causes it?
The causes for testicular cancer are not yet fully understood. Major risk factors of testicular cancer include:
- A family history of testicular cancer
- A history of an undescended or partly descended testicle, or abnormal testicular development
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Most testicular cancers are spotted by men themselves.
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What are the common symptoms?
Common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:
- A painless lump in either testicle or an enlargement of a testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or the groin
- A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the nipples due to hormones produced from the tumour
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How can I prevent it?
Checking your testicles regularly, you can pick up the cancer early. Most testicular cancers are spotted by men themselves.
What should I do if I have suspicious symptoms?
If you notice any symptoms as described above, you should consult a doctor immediately.
For suspected cases, the doctor may examine your testicles and feel for any lumps or swellings, and carry out some investigations. These include ultrasound, blood tests, and procedures to obtain tissue samples for laboratory examination.
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| What is the treatment? |
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The sooner it is diagnosed, the better the chance of a complete recovery. Overall the treatment success rate is very high and more than 90% of men are expected to be cured.
Treatment for testicular cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy (use of anti-cancer or hormonal drugs), or radiotherapy (use of x-rays to target and kill cancer cells), alone or in combination. The doctor will recommend the optimal treatment depending on its size, along with the extent to which it affects the patient's life, and the presence of any other medical conditions.
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How can I help myself?
If you have a diagnosis of testicular cancer, there are many things you can do to cope better andto improve your quality of life, including:
- Understand your illness and its treatment.
- Talk to someone (your partner, a friend or counselor) how you feel.
- Learn how to cooperate with the people involved with your care, including the health professionals, your family and friends.
- Take part in support groups to boost the ability to self-care and to obtain mutual support.
- Eat properly and have a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly under medical supervision.
- Avoid stress, learn relaxation techniques and do things that you can enjoy.
If you have any suspicions, you should seek medical advice.
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