Although testicular cancers are not common, they are the commonest form of cancer affecting young men between 15 and 35.
The testicles or testes are the oval shaped organs found in the scrotum – the pouch of skin that hangs below the penis. They are the main organs of reproduction in the male, and from the time of adolescence they make sperms as well the male hormone Testosterone which is responsible for male characteristics such as a deep voice, growth of body and facial hair, muscular development and male sexual feelings.
Cancers develop if some of the cells in the testes become abnormal – so that when they multiply, instead of forming normal testicular cells they develop into a lump or Tumor. Such cancers usually appear only in one testicle – but if not detected early and removed, some of the abnormal cells can break off from the cancerous growth and spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Causes
The causes of testicular cancer are not completely understood. What we do know is that you cannot catch cancer through sexual intercourse, nor can you pass it on to anyone else. It is also not caused by trauma to the testicle. We do know that a male born with an undescended testicle (where the testis was not in the scrotum at birth, and had to be brought down from the groin to the testis by means of a surgical operation) is at increased risk of developing testicular cancer later in life. We also know that if a man’s father or brother had testicular cancer, he is at increased risk of developing the disease himself.
Symptomshe obvious symptom of testicular cancer is a swelling or a small hard lump in one part of the testicle. Most men who develop such a cancer notice a change in the affected testis which appears larger, harder or different in shape compared to the other one. Although a cancer would be expected to cause pain, testicular cancers almost invariably are painless. Rarely, an affected man may feel an ache or heaviness in his scrotum or lower abdomen.
The majority of swellings of the testicles are NOT cancers – in fact, the commonest swellings here are Hydroceles, which are encapsulated collections of fluid around the testis. These hydroceles and testicular cysts are NOT malignant and are easily treated. However, if a man notices any of the changes mentioned above, or any discomfort in the testes, he should consult his doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can cure around 95% of testicular cancers.
The danger with testicular cancer is that many men are too embarrassed to consult their doctors if they have a swelling of their testis, and so tend to neglect such lumps. Thinking that there is nothing to worry about because there is no pain in the lump is very dangerous – because if these cancers are left untreated too long, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men – and it is one of the most curable cancers, provided it is detected early. If you notice a lump in one of your testicles, make sure to consult your doctor – who can then organise an ultrasound scan to identify whether or not it is a cancer, and take steps to deal with it if it proves cancerous.
Don’t let embarrassment get in the way of you seeing your doctor and discussing the matter if you ever find a swelling in your testis.
More information: Andrology Australia
