Testicular malignant growth affects the testicles which are the organs that produce the male sex hormone. It is a rare form of cancer compared to the others and affects males aged between 15 and 35 years. It is highly treatable even in cases where it has spread beyond the testicles. One may receive several or one treatment depending on the stage and type of testicular cancer. Growths can be identified in time through regular self-examinations. The chances of treatment are highest at this time.
There are several symptoms of the disease. Presence of enlargement in the testicles or a lump is one of the major symptoms. There may also be heaviness in the scrotum, with some people experiencing a dull ache within the abdomen. The testicles may experience some slight pain. Tenderness of breasts, back pain and dull ache in the abdomen are also indications. Usually, just a single testicle will be affected.
The cause of this cancer is not yet very clear. It is brought about when healthy cells of the testicles are altered. As a result, the cells will experience abnormal growth and keep dividing even in instances when there is no need for new cells. They accumulate and finally form a mass. Cancer of the testicles begins from the germ cells. They are the cells that are responsible for production of immature sperms.
Some factors are known to increase the risk of contraction. One of them is when the testis fails to descend after birth. Testes form within the abdominal region during fetal development and are supposed to descend to the scrotum before birth. If either of them fails to descend, the individual will be at greater risk of contracting the condition. This is even in the case where the testicle is relocated surgically.
The condition runs in the family. Therefore, an individual whose family members have suffered from the condition will be at greater risk. The other factor is age, with men between 15 and 35 more at risk. This does not however mean that people of other ages are not affected. Black men are not as likely to be affected as white men. Any condition causing abnormal testicle growth increases the chances of growth.
In some instances men will discover the condition on their own, intentionally or during medical examinations. In other cases, doctors discover the lump during routine checkups. To determine if the lump is cancerous, tests will have to be carried out. Ultrasound is one of the options. Images are taken of the scrotum and they are used to determine whether the lump is cancerous.
Blood tests may be used to determine the level of tumor markers in the blood. These are substances that occur normally in the blood but whose levels will be elevated when one has contracted cancer of the testicles. There is also the option of removing the testicle surgically to determine if its growth is cancerous.
Treatment options will depend on various factors. Some of the factors are type of cancer, its stage and overall health of patient. The patient preference is also a consideration. Radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy are treatment options.
There are several symptoms of the disease. Presence of enlargement in the testicles or a lump is one of the major symptoms. There may also be heaviness in the scrotum, with some people experiencing a dull ache within the abdomen. The testicles may experience some slight pain. Tenderness of breasts, back pain and dull ache in the abdomen are also indications. Usually, just a single testicle will be affected.
The cause of this cancer is not yet very clear. It is brought about when healthy cells of the testicles are altered. As a result, the cells will experience abnormal growth and keep dividing even in instances when there is no need for new cells. They accumulate and finally form a mass. Cancer of the testicles begins from the germ cells. They are the cells that are responsible for production of immature sperms.
Some factors are known to increase the risk of contraction. One of them is when the testis fails to descend after birth. Testes form within the abdominal region during fetal development and are supposed to descend to the scrotum before birth. If either of them fails to descend, the individual will be at greater risk of contracting the condition. This is even in the case where the testicle is relocated surgically.
The condition runs in the family. Therefore, an individual whose family members have suffered from the condition will be at greater risk. The other factor is age, with men between 15 and 35 more at risk. This does not however mean that people of other ages are not affected. Black men are not as likely to be affected as white men. Any condition causing abnormal testicle growth increases the chances of growth.
In some instances men will discover the condition on their own, intentionally or during medical examinations. In other cases, doctors discover the lump during routine checkups. To determine if the lump is cancerous, tests will have to be carried out. Ultrasound is one of the options. Images are taken of the scrotum and they are used to determine whether the lump is cancerous.
Blood tests may be used to determine the level of tumor markers in the blood. These are substances that occur normally in the blood but whose levels will be elevated when one has contracted cancer of the testicles. There is also the option of removing the testicle surgically to determine if its growth is cancerous.
Treatment options will depend on various factors. Some of the factors are type of cancer, its stage and overall health of patient. The patient preference is also a consideration. Radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy are treatment options.
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