Cancer of the Testis

Cancer or carcinoma is a dreaded word even today. While women often suffer from cancer related to their reproductive systems, the men are not completely immune either. The testicles store the sperm in the body of a man and testicular cancer is common among young and white Caucasian males. However, like most other forms of cancer, testicular cancer is curable if detected early enough. It is advisable for men to go in for regular check ups as a precautionary measure.

Symptoms- There is no absolutely clear cut symptoms for testicular cancer. Swelling of testes along with a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum is often the only sign of illness. The patient may be plagued with lower back pain, groin or abdominal pain during the early stages as well. Feeling of listlessness, headaches and dementia may become apparent  as the disease advances. Fits of coughing, shortness of breath along with associated chest pain can also be taken as symptoms of testicular cancer.

Causes- Undescended testes may make a person susceptible to testicular cancer. Klinefelter syndrome is an extremely rare disorder where a male has two or more X chromosomes instead of one. People having such a disorder are more prone to testicular cancer. Family history of cancer may also aggravate your chance of contracting the disease. External factors like exposure to radiation and other chemicals may also increase the risk factor associated with testicular syndrome.

Diagnosis- Diagnosing testicular cancer on basis of symptoms alone is quite impossible. A variety of blood tests, ultrasound tests as well as biopsy reports are consulted before confirmation of the condition is possible. Ultrasound tests can easily detect a tumor mass which cannot be ascertained by palpating the swollen area.

Treatment- The condition can be treated successfully only if detected early. Surgical removal of the cancerous testes is mandatory before radiation therapy is used to eliminate the reminder of cancerous cells lurking within the area. Chemotherapy is used on patients with advanced testicular cancer.