Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is one of the most common urological cancers in young men. The testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system, are two oval-shaped organs located in the sac called the scrotum behind the penis. The testicles are functional for producing and storing sperm, as well as for the production of libido, increased muscle mass and the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for the growth of beard and mustache.

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that can spread to other parts of the body and is defined as uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the testicle, becoming tumorous and spreading. 

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Symptoms of testicular cancer are as follows:

• Palpated a hard mass without pain (the most frequent).
• Feeling discomfort in scrotum.
• Different size of testicles
• Pain the abdomen and groins
• Hydrocele (accumulation of fluid in scrotum)

The main symptom of testicular cancer is swelling of the testicles or a hard palpable mass. Pain reaching the back, cough, weight loss, enlargement and tenderness of breasts, swelling in the legs can be listed among the symptoms of advanced testicular cancer.

People who experience one or more of the symptoms caused by testicular cancer should consult an experienced urologist without delay. Diagnosis is made through familial history, physical examination, ultrasonography and MRI scans and treatment is planned.

Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer

Studies have shown that the incidence of testicular cancer in the right testis is higher than in the left testis. Risk factors for this type of cancer include:

• Age: It is usually seen in men in the ages of 20 to 35.
• Ethnic structure: It is more common in white men.
• Genetic factors: The risk is higher if there is a familial history of testicular cancer.
• History of undescended testicle: Men with a history of undescended testicles, a congenital problem, have a higher risk of testicular cancer.

Staging of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer has 3 stages.

Stage 1: The tumor is localized only in testicles.

Stage 2: The tumor has intraabdominal lymph node metastases.

Stage 3: The tumor has distant lymph nodes and pulmonary metastases.

Treatment of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer treatment is planned according to the stage of the disease and the location of the tumor. The patient is treated through surgical methods, chemotherapy and radiotherapy methods. Testicular cancer, which is a type of cancer with relapse, has a high recovery rate.

The first treatment for testicular cancer is to remove the testicle with the mass without delay. Then, the diffusion of the disease is evaluated by pathological examination and staging. After this stage, additional treatment is planned according to the stage.