Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that affects the testicles, which are the male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. It is one of the most common types of cancer in young men, typically affecting those between the ages of 15 and 35.

Types of Testicular Cancer

There are several types of testicular cancer, including:

• Seminoma: This is the most common type of testicular cancer, accounting for about 40% of all cases. Seminomas tend to grow and spread slowly.
• Non-seminoma: This type of testicular cancer includes several subtypes, such as embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. Non-seminomas tend to grow and spread more quickly than seminomas.
• Stromal tumors: These are rare tumors that develop in the supportive tissue of the testicles.
• Leydig cell tumors: These are rare tumors that develop in the cells that produce testosterone.
• Sertoli cell tumors: These are rare tumors that develop in the cells that support and nourish sperm production.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

The symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

• A lump or swelling in one of the testicles
• Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
• A feeling of heaviness or aching in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• Enlargement of the breast tissue (gynecomastia)
• Early puberty in boys
• Fatigue, weight loss, or other general symptoms of cancer

Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer

Certain factors may increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer, including:

• Family history: Having a family history of testicular cancer increases the risk.
• Undescended testicles: Men with undescended testicles are at higher risk of developing testicular cancer.
• Previous testicular cancer: Men who have had testicular cancer in one testicle are at increased risk of developing it in the other testicle.
• Infertility: Infertile men may be at higher risk of developing testicular cancer.
• Klinefelter syndrome: Men with Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition that affects male development, are at increased risk of developing testicular cancer.

Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

• Physical examination: A doctor will perform a physical examination to check for any abnormalities in the testicles.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be used to confirm the presence of a tumor and determine its size and location.
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed to remove tissue from the testicle for examination under a microscope.
• Tumor markers: Blood tests may be used to check for elevated levels of certain proteins, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which can indicate the presence of testicular cancer.

Stages of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is typically staged using the following system:

• Stage I: The cancer is limited to the testicle and has not spread to other parts of the body.
• Stage II: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen, but not to other parts of the body.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver.

Treatments for Testicular Cancer

The treatment for testicular cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. Common treatments include:

• Surgery: Surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy) is usually the first step in treating testicular cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation may be used to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or to treat seminomas that have spread to other parts of the body.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to treat non-seminomas that have spread to other parts of the body, or to treat testicular cancer that has come back after initial treatment.
• Active surveillance: For some men with stage I seminoma, active surveillance (regular check-ups and monitoring) may be an option instead of immediate treatment.
• High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant: This is a more aggressive treatment that may be used for testicular cancer that has come back after initial treatment or has spread to other parts of the body.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The prognosis and survival rates for testicular cancer vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Generally:

• Seminoma: The 5-year survival rate for seminoma is around 95-100% if caught early, and around 70-80% if it has spread to other parts of the body.
• Non-seminoma: The 5-year survival rate for non-seminoma is around 80-90% if caught early, and around 50-60% if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Follow-up Care

After treatment for testicular cancer, regular follow-up care is important to monitor for any signs of recurrence or long-term side effects. This may include:

• Regular check-ups with a doctor
• Ultrasound and other imaging tests
• Tumor marker blood tests
• Fertility testing (if applicable)