TESTICULAR CANCER AND TESTICLE CANCERS INFORMATION

Cancer is a group of diseases in which malignant (harmful) cells grow out of control and spread to other parts of the body.

Testicular cancer occurs when a tumor (abnormal overgrowth of cells) forms within one of the testicles.

Testicle cancer is very rare and is seen in less than 1% of the population. Usually it is seen in young men.

Signs & Symptoms A lump or swelling in one of the testicles. Possible local pain, tenderness, or lower back pain. Sometimes a feeling of heaviness in a testicle. Causes Doctors still do not know what causes testicular cancers. It occurs most frequently in young men between the ages of 15 and 35. Men whose testicles have not descended or dropped have a greater risk of getting testicular cancer.

The best way to identify testicular cancer is self examination done monthly after showering

If, during the self examination, you feel a hard lump on the testicle, see your doctor.

If treated in its early stages, nearly 100% of testicular cancer cases are cured.

Only your doctor can positively identify testicular cancer, so see him if you find any hard lumps on your testicles.

The most common form of treatment for testicular cancer is surgery to remove the testicle with the tumor. Since usually only one testicle is removed, there is no loss of sexual function.

Chemotherapy or drug therapy is the usual choice of treatment after surgery if cancer is found outside the testicle.

Radiation therapy (x-rays to kill cancer cells) may be used if the cancer has spread beyond the testicles.

Resource: American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345


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