What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a rare cancer that occurs in the testicules. The testicles are responsible for producing sperm for reproduction and male sex hormones. While testicular cancer can occur at any age, it’s most common in American males ages 15-35.
What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer usually only affects one testicle. Symptoms include:
- Enlargement of one of the testicles
- A lump in one of the testicles
- Abdominal ache
- Groin ache
- Discomfort in the testicle
- Enlargement or tenderness of breasts
- Back pain
If you experience swelling or pain in your groin or testicles, especially symptoms that last more than two weeks, call or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.
What increases my risk of getting testicular cancer?
The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown and, unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. Almost all instances of testicular cancer begin with the cells that produce immature sperm, but what causes those sperm cells to become abnormal and develop into cancer isn’t known.
There are a number of factors that increase your risk of getting testicular cancer, including:
- Undescended testicle
- Family history
- Abnormal testicular development
- Race (white men are at higher risk)
- Age
How is testicular cancer treated?
If you find a lump in your testicle or your doctor diagnoses you with testicular cancer during a physical, the best course of action for treating testicular cancer is determined based on the type and stage of your cancer and your overall health condition. Over 95% of testicular cancer is successfully cured with treatment. Testicular cancer treatment options include:
- Surgical removal of the testicle
- Surgical removal of nearby lymph nodes
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
For most people, removing the affected testicle is the best course of action. After removal, radiation therapy is sometimes recommended as a secondary treatment. Chemotherapy is only used for people who have high levels of cancer detected even after removal of the testicle.
If you experience the symptoms of testicular cancer or suspect you may have cancer, use the online booking tool or call the practice to schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment.