Genitourinary Cancer - Testicular
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer typically develops in the testicles of young men. This form of cancer generally responds well to treatments and is usually curable. The testicles manufacture male hormones, mainly testosterone, as well as sperm. Several types of cells are present in the testicles and are capable of developing into one or more types of cancer. Determining what type of cancer cells are present affects the patient’s prognosis and the appropriate treatment plan.
There are three main types of testicular cancer which include germ cell tumors, stromal tumors, secondary testicular tumors. Germ cell tumors account for approximately 9 out of 10 testicular cancer cases. These tumors are generally divided into two subtypes, seminomas and nonseminomas. Seminoma tumors develop in the sperm-producing germ cells of the testicle and generally develop in a man’s late 30s and early 50s. Nonseminoma tumors, however, usually develop much earlier and affect men between their teens and early 40s.
How many men get testicular cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be approximately 8,250 new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed this year alone. Although this cancer is not common, it is generally one of the most curable forms of cancer. The National Cancer Institute indicates that the five-year relative survival rate for all men diagnosed with this cancer is 96%.
What causes testicular cancer?
While researchers have not determined an exact cause in most testicular cancer cases, they have identified some risk factors that can be linked to the disease.
The primary risk factor for developing this disease is a medical condition known as cryptorchidism, which is also known as undescended testicle(s). Normally, as a fetus the testicles develop in the belly and descend into the scrotum. Approximately three percent of boys have testicles that do not move into the scrotum. Occasionally, the testicles stay inside the belly or they may start to come down but get stuck in the groin.
Approximately 14% of testicular cancer cases occur in men who have had cryptorchidism. The risk increases for men with a testicle that remains in the belly. In the majority of cases, most testicles will descend on their own within the child’s first year. However, surgery is sometimes needed to bring the testicle down.
Race and ethnicity also increase a man’s risk of developing testicular cancer. Caucasian American men are about 5 to 10 times more likely to develop testicular cancer. Other factors include family history, body size, and history of cancer in the other testicle. Men who feel that they may be at an increased risk of testicular cancer should discuss additional risk factors with their physician.
Can testicular cancer be prevented?
The primary risk factors for this disease include cryptorchidism, being of Caucasian descent, and family history. However, there are many cases in which the patient does not have any known risk factors prior to a testicular cancer diagnosis. Men who have had cryptorchidism as a child can practice prevention methods that may be able to detect cancer early.
How is testicular cancer found?
Many testicular cancers can be found at an early stage when they are often more curable. The most common symptom is usually a painless lump on the testicle. Many physicians recommend performing regular self-examinations. This self-examination should not act as a substitute for an examination by a physician.
Other symptoms include an enlarged or swollen testicle and some men describe a feeling of heaviness in the stomach or scrotum. Additional symptoms, while less common, include a decrease in sex drive and breast growth or tender breasts. Symptoms of advanced testicular cancer may include lower back pain.
A physician may perform an ultrasound to determine whether or not the mass is solid, which is more likely to be cancer, or filled with fluid. Cancers often produce proteins that can be detected with a blood test. The levels of those proteins can often times give a doctor an indication as to how advanced the cancer may be as well as how effective certain treatments may be. Several imaging tests are also available to assist with diagnosis.
How is testicular cancer treated?
Treatment will be different for each and every patient. The primary types of treatment for testicular cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It is best to discuss treatment options with your physician. Learn more regarding each of these procedures.