Just fifteen years ago, a diagnosis of testicular cancer was grim news. Ten times as many patiens died then as now. Dramatic advances in theraputic drugs in the last two decades, along with improved diagnostics and better tests to gauge the extent of the disease, have boosted survival rates remarkably. Testicular cancer is often completely curable, especially if found and treated early.
The Testicles
Testicles (also known as Testes or Gonads are the male sex glands. They are located behind the penis in a pouch of skin called the Scrotum. The testicles produce and store sperm, and they are also the body's main source of male hormones. These hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and other male characteristics, such as body and facial hair, low voice, and wide shoulders.
Nearly all testicular tumors stem from Germ cells, sperm forming cells within the testicles. These tumors fall into one of two types, Seminomas or Nonseminomas. Other forms of testicular cancer, such as sarcomas or lymphomas, are extremely rare.
Seminomasmaccount for about 40% of all testicular cancer and are made up of imature germ cells. Usually, seminomas are slow growing and tend to stay localized in the testicles for long periods.
Nonseminomas are a group of cancers that sometimes occur in combination, including choriocarcinomas, embryonal carcinomas, and yolk sac tumors. Nonseminomas arise from more mature specialized germ cells and tend to be more aggressive than seminomas. According to th American Cancer Society, 60 to 70% of patients with nonseminomas have cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.
Signs and Symptoms
* A lump in either testicle; the lump is typically pea-shaped, sometimes it might be as big as an egg.
* Any enlargement of the testicles
* A significant shrinking of a testicle
* A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
* A dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
* A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
* Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
* Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
These symptoms are not sure signs of cancer, thay can be caused by other conditions. It is important to see a doctor, prferably a Urologist, if any of these symptoms occur...any illness should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Early diagnosis of testicular cancer is especially important because the sooner cancer is found and treated the better chance for a complete recovery and the easier the treatment.
