Topic Overview
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer occurs when cells that are not normal grow out
of control in the
testicles (testes). It is highly curable, especially
when it is found early.
The testes are the two male sex organs that make and store
sperm
. They are located in a pouch below the penis
called the
scrotum. The testes also make the hormone
testosterone.
Testicular cancer is most common among white males. It is not
common in men of African or Asian background.1
Although rare, testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men
between the ages of 20 and 34.2
What causes testicular cancer?
Experts don't know what causes testicular cancer. But some
problems may increase your chances of getting it. These include:1, 3
- Having a testicle that has not dropped down into the scrotum
from the belly. This is called an
undescended testicle. Normally, a baby’s testicles
drop down into his scrotum before he is born or by the time he is 3 months
old.
-
Klinefelter syndrome. This is a genetic problem that
affects males. Normally, males have one X and one Y chromosome. Males with
Klinefelter syndrome have at least two X chromosomes and, in rare cases, as
many as three or four.
- A family history of testicular cancer.
Most men who get testicular cancer don't have any risk
factors.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of testicular cancer include:
- A change in the size or shape of one or both
testes. You may or may not have pain.
- A heavy feeling in the
scrotum.
- A dull pressure or pain in the lower back, belly, or
groin, or in all three places.
How is testicular cancer diagnosed?
Most men find testicular cancer themselves during a
self-examination
. Or your doctor may find it during a
routine physical examination.
Because other problems can cause symptoms like those of
testicular cancer, your doctor may order tests to find out if you have another
problem. These tests may include blood tests and imaging tests of the testicles
such as an
ultrasound or a
CT or CAT scan. These tests can also help find out if
cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
How is it treated?
Nearly all men with testicular cancer begin treatment with
surgery to remove the testicle that has cancer. This surgery is called radical
inguinal orchiectomy. Removing the testicle allows your doctor to find out the
type of cancer cells you have. It also helps him or her plan any other
treatment you may need.
Treatment after surgery may include:
-
Watchful waiting. You may be able to wait and watch to
see what happens. During watchful waiting, you will have regular checkups with
your doctor to make sure that the cancer is gone.
-
Chemotherapy. This is powerful medicine that destroys
any cancer cells that remain after surgery.
-
Radiation therapy. This is a high dose of X-rays used
to destroy cancer cells. It is mostly used to treat a kind of cancer called
seminoma, but it is sometimes used after surgery to kill leftover cancer cells.
Radiation therapy can also be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the
testes.
Chemotherapy is often used for cancer that has spread to other
parts of the body. In some cases surgery is used to remove that kind of
cancer.
Testicular cancer is highly curable when it is found early. Even
when it is found at an advanced stage, it is considered very curable.
How will having testicular cancer affect you?
In most cases, removing a testicle does not cause long-term
sexual problems or make you unable to father children. But if you had these
problems before treatment, surgery may make them worse. Talk to your doctor if
you have any questions or concerns about sexual problems or whether you can
father children.
Some men choose to get an artificial, or prosthetic, testicle. A
surgeon places the artificial testicle in the scrotum to keep the natural look
of the genitals.
Unlike many other kinds of cancer, most testicular cancers grow
slowly and respond well to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation
therapy. But these treatments can cause side effects. Most of the time, the
side effects last only a little while and then go away. Long-term side effects
from treatment are rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about testicular
cancer:
|
|
Being diagnosed:
|
|
Getting treatment:
|
|
Ongoing concerns:
|
|
Living with testicular
cancer:
|
|