Testicular cancer, obviously, is that kind of cancer that develops within a man's testicle. It's quite a rare disease as it makes up around 1% of all male cancer diagnoses. This kind of cancer is most common among men who are between the ages of 15 and 55, and the main symptoms range from swelling to a painless lump within the testicle.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this particular type of cancer, then you may be asking yourself "what is testicular cancer?" Here, we'll examine the signs, symptoms, and treatments for this disease.
Testicular Cancer Signs and Symptoms:
There are various early warning signs that can be used to pinpoint or detect the potential presence of this particular condition. Usually, the earliest signs and symptoms include a variety of the following:
– A change in the shape or size of the testicle
– Thickening or swelling of the testicle
– A smooth, firm, and initially painless lump within the testicle
– A feeling of heaviness or pain
– Sudden gaining of fluid within the scrotum
– Abdominal pain, or the presence of an abdominal mass
– Infertility
– Loss of appetite or weight
At this stage, doctors aren't sure exactly why some people develop testicular cancer. However, they have found some links between this type of cancer and other factors. For instance, this disease is more common in men who have suffered from a condition called cryptorchidism. Additionally, testicular cancer can be more common in people who have close relatives in their family who have already suffered from this condition.
Testicular Cancer Treatment:
When you ask yourself the question "What is testicular cancer?" chances are that one of your most important concerns will be centered around how it can be treated. Usually, the main types of treatment for people with this disease will include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, your recommended plan for recovery will also have to be based on the stage of your cancer and the type of testicular cancer that you have.
Usually, the first treatment option for all cases is to remove the affected testicle surgically. For stage one conditions, once the testicle has been removed, one dose of chemotherapy may be given to reduce the risk of it returning. Additionally, short courses of radiotherapy are sometimes recommended.
In many cases, the chances of recurrence are quite low, and your doctors might actually recommend that you are simply monitored very carefully for the next few years. Further treatment will only be required for the small percentage of people who actually experience a recurrence.
For the latter stages, several cycles of chemotherapy might be given, using a range of different medications. Additionally, further surgery might be required after the chemotherapy to ensure that any affected lymph nodes are removed from those areas where the cancer might have spread around the body. Many individuals with this condition find that it's useful to consult with their treatment specialist in depth about their various options, and write a list of questions to ask them before their treatment begins.