Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is one of the least diagnosed forms of cancer in the U.S.

Fewer than 9,000 men suffer from this illness each year. Out of that number, around 400 die from testicular cancer. While not as prevalent as other forms of cancer, testicular cancer is also one of the easiest to treat if it is diagnosed early.

• Testicular Cancer has a high survival rate as long as it is detected and treated early. It responds well to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
• In some instances, patients may fare better to undergo the surgical removal of the cancerous testicle and the surrounding lymph nodes.

What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular Cancer, or testicular cancer, is a form of cancer that affects the testicles and lymph nodes near the scrotum. It presents itself through a number of distinct symptoms. Some of the tell-tale signs of testicular cancer include:

• A lump on either side of the testicles
• A sensation of heaviness in the scrotum
• Pain in the lower stomach and groin
• Breast enlargement and tenderness
• Back pain

If you have any of these symptoms that last for longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor immediately. With proper diagnosis and treatment, testicular cancer has a 95 percent survival rate. You also may prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of your body including your stomach, liver, lungs, and bloodstream.

Testicular cancer cannot be prevented. However, certain risk factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing this illness at some point in his life.

By knowing the risk factors, patients can remain on guard and get prompt medical help if he notices any of the symptoms of testicular cancer. The primary risk factors for this form of cancer include genetics or a family history of Testicular Cancer, age (men between the ages of 15 and 44 are at the highest risk of it), race (Caucasians and Asians develop Testicular Cancer more frequently than other races), abnormal development of the testicles, and the late or failed descending of the testicles.

Treatment for Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer responds well to a number of different treatments. Depending on the stage of this form of cancer, patients may be given radiation and chemotherapy that can kill the cancer cells in their bodies. Radiation and chemotherapy can last for several weeks depending on the extensiveness of the illness.

Patients also may be advised to undergo surgical removal of the cancerous testicle. This surgery would remove both the testicle and the lymph nodes surrounding the scrotum. The modern form of testicle removal surgery is less invasive and is faster from which to recover and heal. It can also be performed with robotics rather than extensive cutting and significant incisions.