Testicular Cancer

What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that affects the testicles. The testicles are located inside the scrotum. The scrotum is a kind loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles are responsible to produce male sex hormones and sperm cells for reproduction.

The risk for developing testicular cancer is greater in men.

It is highly treatable when diagnose early; depending upon the type and location of testicular cancer.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer can result in numerous symptoms and the common may be listed as follows:

• Enlargement in either testicle
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Ache in the abdomen
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
• Fatigue
• Collection of fluid in the scrotum

Testicular cancer usually affects only one testicle.

What is Testicular Self-Exam? The testicular self-exam is a method for guys and men to check their testicles to make sure there are not any kind unusual bumps or lumps. A testicular self-exam is important because it will help in early detection of testicular cancer. The earlier testicular cancer is detected, the better possible diagnose and treatment. How Do I Perform A Testicular Self-Exam? It is highly important to be familiar with the normal size, shape and weight of the testicles for possible detection of testicular cancer.

The normal time to check the testicle is right after a hot shower. After a hot shower, the skin of the scrotum is relaxed and also soft.

The epididymis is a rope-like structure on the top and the back of each testicle. It is not an abnormal lump.

If you feel that there are any abnormal symptoms or feel abnormality structure of testicle immediately consult your doctor for close examination and diagnose solution.

Stages of Testicular Cancer
There are stages of testicular cancer, which if not diagnosed early can spread to the other parts of the body. Stages can be listed as follows:

Stage I – The Testicular cancer is limited to the testicle.

Stage II – The Testicular cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen.

Stage III – The Testicular cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

Can Testicular Cancer be treated?
Treatment for testicular cancer is usually very successful and most men can now be completely cured, even if the cancer has spread beyond the testicles. The treatment will depend on the type of cancer and whether it has spread beyond the testes.

Testicular Cancer Treatment options include:
Surgery – It is required to remove the lump and nearby lymph nodes. (Lymph nodes are located in the abdomen or groin area.) Removal of the testicle does not affect fertility or the ability to have an erection because the other testicle is still intact.

Radiation Therapy - This treatment uses high-dose X-rays or other high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells outside the testicle. This drug therapy is usually given by infusions into your veins or can be given orally