Testicular Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Testicular Cancer
Reviewed by Kamran Mahmood, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Board Certified in Pulmonology & Critical Care.
Testicular cancer is a highly treatable cancer that primarily affects younger men between the ages of 15 and 35. It develops in the testicles—male reproductive glands responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Early detection is crucial, as it significantly improves survival rates. Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options can help men take proactive steps in managing their health and catching the disease early.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
A painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles.
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
Dull ache or pain in the lower abdomen or groin.
Sudden fluid buildup in the scrotum.
Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue (gynecomastia).
Diagnosis
Physical Examination:
Checks for lumps, swelling, or abnormalities in the testicles.
Ultrasound:
Visualizes testicular masses to differentiate between benign and malignant conditions.
Blood Tests:
Tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-hCG, and LDH are often elevated in testicular cancer.
Biopsy or Orchiectomy
Surgical removal of the affected testicle confirms diagnosis and prevents cancer spread.
Treatment
Surgery
Radical inguinal orchiectomy to remove the affected testicle.
Radiation Therapy
Often used for seminomas (a type of testicular cancer) to target remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Used for advanced stages or non-seminoma cancers.
Surveillance
Close monitoring with regular imaging and blood tests for early-stage cancers treated with surgery alone.
Screening
Routine screening for testicular cancer is not standard.
Self-Exams
Men are encouraged to perform regular testicular self-examinations to detect lumps or abnormalities early.
Prevention
While testicular cancer cannot be fully prevented, the following measures may help with early detection and risk reduction:
Become familiar with normal testicular size and texture through monthly self-exams.
Seek medical attention promptly for any changes or concerns.
Regular check-ups if you have risk factors such as a history of undescended testicles or a family history of testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, with survival rates exceeding 95% when detected early, making awareness and proactive health monitoring critical for young men.
You may also like to read about
