Overview
Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant cells grow out control in the testicular tissue which happens in the testicles which produce male sex hormone and sperm for reproduction. Men who are born with undescended testicles have a greater risk of getting testicular cancer. The majority of testicular cancers are germ cell tumors hence this is the most common form of cancer for males between the age of 15 and 35 but it can occur at any age and the incidence of testicular cancer does not increase with age. This is the most curable cancer with low mortality rate which has effective diagnostic techniques.
Risk Factors
- An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
- Abnormal testicle development.
- Family history
- Age
- Race
Symptoms
- A lump or enlargement in either testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
- A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
- Back pain
Diagnosis
- Ultrasound
- Blood test
- MRI scan
Treatment Options
- Radical inguinal orchiectomy
- Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
