Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer information such as how many people get testicular cancer, what is testicular cancer, risk factors of testicular cancer and screening recommendations.
According to American Cancer Society approximately 8,010 men in the United States will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2005 and approximately 390 men will die from testicular cancer in 2005. Testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer with a cure rate of over 90% in all stages combined. Testicular cancer may occur in one or both testicles. The testicles are located in the scrotum beneath the base of the penis. The testicles have many kinds of cells which may develop into one or more types of cancer. The different types of cancer are treated differently and patient survival also differs. The three main types are:
Germ Cell Tumors are growths in the cells that make sperm. Over 9 out of 10 cancers in the testicles are germ cell tumors. Most begin as carcinoma in situ (CIS) which is not invasive (has not spread).
Stromal Tumors are growths in other parts of the testicles such as cells that make hormones or the supportive tissues. Often times the tumors are benign (not cancer) and have not spread beyond the testicle.
Secondary Testicular Tumors develop from cancer from other parts of the body. Lymphoma is the most common type and occurs among men over age 50. Leukemia cells can also reside in the testicle. Cancers of the prostate, lung, skin, kidney and other organs can also spread to the testicles.
Testicular Cancer Risk Factors
Certain risk factors increase a person?Ĵs chance of getting the disease. This does not mean the person will get the disease nor does it mean people without specific risk factors will not get the disease. It only means there is an increased chance.
Testicular Cancer Risk Factors:
- Age (most occur in men between 15 and 40)
- Family history
- Job risks
- Certain types of moles
- HIV infection
- CIS (carcinoma in situ)
- Cancer of the other testicle
- White men
There is no proof that injury, a vasectomy or DES (diethylstilbestrol - reproductive hormones) taken by a mother during pregnancy causes testicular cancer.
Testicular Cancer Screening Recommendations
Sometimes testicular cancer is found due to other problems such as fertility issues, but some testicular cancers do not cause symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. The American Cancer Society recommends a testicular exam as part of a routine cancer-related checkup; however some doctors recommend monthly self-exams. It has not been studied enough to show if the self-exams lowers the death rate from testicular cancer. In 9 out of 10 cases, a man will have a lump on his testicle as a sign of testicular cancer. Many times the lump is painless, but can be uncomfortable. They also may notice swelling or heaviness/aching in the belly or scrotum. Less common symptoms include breast growth (tender or swollen), loss of sex drive and growth on hair on face and body at a young age (pre-puberty). Signs of advanced testicular cancer may include lower back pain and signs that it has spread to the lungs may include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and spitting blood. Patients with any signs or symptoms should talk to their doctor right away. The sooner cancer is found the sooner treatment can be started and the more effective the treatment will be.
Information gathered: 6-22-05.