Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system. One in every 25,000 men get testicular cancer and it is most common among males ages 15 through 40. Thankfully, testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers. Cures are possible even after it has spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms and early detection
As testicular cancer is curable when detected early, experts recommend regular monthly testicular self-examination after a hot shower when the scrotum is looser. Men should examine each testicle first feeling for lumps then, compare them together to see if one is bigger than the other.
Symptoms include a lump in one testicle, pain and tenderness in testicles, blood in sperm during ejaculation, build up of fluid in the scrotum, enlargement of breasts, and an increase in the size of one testicle. Men should report any of these to a doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment
There are three basic types of treatment: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery to remove the afflicted testicle and lymph nodes is the most common treatment. Radiation therapy is effective only on seminomas. Doctors prescribe chemotherapy when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A man with one remaining testicle can have a perfectly normal life, as the testicle takes up the load, and will generally have adequate fertility. A man who loses both will have to take hormone supplements, and is obviously infertile, but can lead a normal life.
Pathology
There are two tumor types, seminomas and nonseminomas. Seminomas are slow-growing immature germ cells. (To clear any confusion, germ cells produce sperm, and are not pathogenic.) Seminomas are generally localized in the testicles. Nonseminomas on the other hand are more aggressive and more mature germ cells that spread fast.
There are three stages of testicular cancer. The first is where the cancer remains in the testicle. In the second stage, the cancer begins to spread to lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small bean shaped structures that produce and store infection fighting cells in the abdomen. During the third stage, the cancer spreads further to locations including the kidneys, liver, bones, lungs or brain.
Famous survivors
A living proof that testicular cancer is curable is decorated cyclist Lance Armstrong. He once said, "It's ironic, I used to ride my bike to make a living. Now I just want to live so that I can ride."
Canadian comedian Tom Green was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2000 and made a widely acclaimed documentary about his treatment. In 1997, figure skater Scott Hamilton survived a bout with testicular cancer.
Famous victims
Brian Piccolo, an American football player in the late 1960s with the Chicago Bears, died of testicular cancer that was not detected until it had metastatized into his lungs. Piccolo would be a major subject of teammate and friend Gale Sayers' autobiography I Am Third ; Sayers' story of their friendship, and Piccolo's struggle with cancer, was adapted into the legendary made-for-TV movie Brian's Song .
See also
External links
- http://www.malecare.com/ nonprofit patient and doctor authored source of testicular cancer information, updated with new articles or citations every week.
Last updated: 02-10-2005 21:11:20
