Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young
men, with half of all testis cancer diagnosed between
the ages of 20 and 34. White men are almost five times
as likely to get testicular cancer as black men, three
times as likely as Asian and American Indian men,
and 1.4 times as likely as Hispanic men. It can affect
any man, but men who were born with undescended
testicles, have a family member with testicular cancer,
or have been previously treated for testicular cancer are
more likely to acquire the disease. 1 in 260 men will
develop testicular cancer during their life. For reasons
that are poorly understood, the number of men who
develop testicular cancer is increasing.
The majority of men who are diagnosed with testicular
cancer have no symptoms. That is, there is no associated
pain, changes in urinary function, or changes in sexual
function. It is most often detected by accident, feeling
an abnormality on one of the testicles. In particular, a
man will feel a hard lump, which does not hurt. This
should lead you to immediately make an appointment
with your doctor. You do NOT want to wait and see if
the lump goes away, as valuable time is being wasted.
If your doctor confirms an abnormality on your
testicle, they may obtain an ultrasound of your scrotum
to confirm that a tumor is present. If necessary, a
genitourinary surgeon, also known as a urologist,
will then take you to surgery to remove your testicle
through your groin, not the scrotum. Blood tests will
also be obtained to determine whether or not the tumor
is making special compounds, and a CT scan of the
abdomen and pelvis, as well as a chest x-ray or CT of
the chest, will be obtained to make sure the tumor has
not spread. If desired, an artificial testicle (prosthesis)
can be placed in the scrotum at the time of testicular
removal, or at a later date.
Testicular cancer comes in a variety of forms,
but is generally categorized into seminoma and
nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. Treatment of
testicular cancer depends on the type of cancer, as
well as whether or not it has spread, but often involves
close observation or chemotherapy. Seminoma can
also be treated with radiation. Testicular cancer is very
responsive to therapy, with high probability of cure,
especially if caught early. Despite his recent troubles,
the story of cyclist Lance Armstrong is well known, and
demonstrates the responsiveness of testicular cancer to
treatment, even when wide spread.
The most important thing you can do is to not ignore
a change in your testicles. Starting at puberty, men
should examine their testicles monthly, at the end of
a warm shower. It can be embarrassing to talk to your
doctor about your testicles. However, it can literally be
the difference between life and death.
Free Presentation: A Better Fit
Friday, November 22nd from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Presenters: Sandy Warner and Kristi Lulay
Attend this presentation to learn about new innovations for women wearing breast prosthesis and mastectomy bras.
There are so many pretty and comfortable items being offered this season. Sandy Warner of A Better Fit and Amoena
Territory Manager, Kristi Lulay, will explain the latest in technology as well as the newest, pretty core fashions. Samples
will be on site for you to touch, feel and ask questions.
Please RSVP: (509) 737-3427 or online at www.tccancer.org
Clinical Corner
By Marco A Salazar, MD, Ph.D
Men
,
Don't
Ignore
Your
Testicles