What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are the male reproductive glands located in the scrotum. Although it is a relatively rare form of cancer, it is the most common type of cancer in men aged 15-35.
What are the types of testicular cancer?
Seminoma is a type of testicular cancer that usually grows and spreads more slowly than non-seminoma. It typically occurs in men between the ages of 30 and 50 and is usually diagnosed at an early stage. Seminoma is typically treated with surgery to remove the affected testicle, followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Non-seminoma is a type of testicular cancer that grows and spreads more quickly than seminoma. It can occur at any age but is more common in younger men. Non-seminoma is further divided into several subtypes, including embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, yolk sac tumour, choriocarcinoma, and mixed germ cell tumours. The treatment for non-seminoma depends on the subtype but usually involves surgery to remove the affected testicle, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
How common is testicular cancer in the UK?
Testicular cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer, accounting for around 1% of all male cancers in the UK. However, it is the most common form of cancer in men aged 15-49.
According to Cancer Research UK, around 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer in the UK each year. This equates to around 7 new cases each day in the UK.
It is also worth noting that testicular cancer is more common in certain groups of men. For example, white men have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than men of other ethnicities, and men who have a family history of the disease are also at a higher risk.
What causes testicular cancer.
What are the causes of testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are the male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Although the exact cause of testicular cancer is not known, there are several factors that may increase a man’s risk of developing this disease.
- Abnormalities in Testicle Development: One of the most common risk factors for testicular cancer is having an abnormality in the development of the testicles. For example, men who have a testicle that did not descend properly from the abdomen into the scrotum during fetal development (undescended testes or cryptorchism) may be at an increased risk.
- Family History: Men with a family history of testicular cancer may also be at an increased risk of developing the disease. In fact, having a first-degree relative (such as a father or brother) who has had testicular cancer can increase a man’s risk by up to four times.
- Age: Testicular cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men between the ages of 15 and 35, although it can occur in older men as well.
- Race and Ethnicity: Studies have shown that Caucasian men are at a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than men of other races. The reason for this is not fully understood.
- HIV Infection: Men who are HIV positive may also be at an increased risk of developing testicular cancer. This may be due to a weakened immune system, which can make it harder for the body to fight off cancer cells.
- Previous Testicular Cancer: Men who have had testicular cancer in one testicle are at an increased risk of developing it in the other testicle. This is because some of the risk factors that caused the first cancer may still be present.
- Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, may increase a man’s risk of developing testicular cancer. However, the evidence for this is not conclusive.
What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
While the symptoms of testicular cancer can vary from person to person, there are several common signs and symptoms that men should be aware of.
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in one of the testicles. This lump is usually painless but may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. In some cases, the lump may be tender or painful to the touch.
Other symptoms of testicular cancer may include:
- A dull ache or pain in the lower abdomen or groin
- A feeling of fluid in the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
- Back pain
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
It is important to note that not all lumps or swelling in the testicles are cancerous. In fact, most lumps are not cancerous and are instead caused by other conditions such as a cyst or infection. However, it is important for men to seek medical attention if they notice any changes in their testicles, as early diagnosis and treatment are key to the successful treatment of testicular cancer.
How is testicular cancer diagnosed?
If a doctor suspects that a patient may have testicular cancer, they will typically perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer.
The first step in diagnosing testicular cancer is usually a physical exam. During this exam, the doctor will feel the testicles for lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities.
If a lump or other abnormality is found during the physical exam, the doctor will typically order imaging tests such as an ultrasound and CT scan. These tests can help to determine the size and location of the lump and can help to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of testicular cancer. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the testicle and examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
If testicular cancer is diagnosed or suspected, additional tests may be needed to determine the stage of the cancer. This can include blood tests to check for tumour markers, which are substances produced by cancer cells that can be detected in the blood.
How is testicular cancer treated?
Treatment for testicular cancer in the UK typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.
The most common treatment for testicular cancer is surgery to remove the affected testicle, a procedure known as radical inguinal orchidectomy. This surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia, and involves removing the entire testicle through an incision in the groin.
After surgery, further treatment may be needed depending on the stage and type of cancer. Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, may be used to treat certain types of testicular cancer. Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells, is often used to treat more advanced cases of testicular cancer that have spread to other parts of the body.
In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used to treat testicular cancer. For example, chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery to remove the affected testicle.
In addition to medical treatment, many men with testicular cancer may also benefit from support from family, friends, or a support group. Testicular cancer can be a challenging experience, both physically and emotionally, and having a strong support system can be very helpful.
What are the survival rates for testicular cancer?
While it can be a serious condition, the survival rates for testicular cancer in the UK are generally quite high.
According to the most recent statistics, the overall five-year survival rate for testicular cancer in the UK is around 98%. This means that around 98% of men with testicular cancer will survive for at least five years after their diagnosis.
The survival rate for testicular cancer can vary depending on a number of factors, including the stage and type of cancer, the age of the patient, and the presence of other health conditions. For example, men with early-stage testicular cancer have a much higher survival rate than those with advanced-stage cancer.
In general, the prognosis for testicular cancer is quite good, and most men with this condition can expect to live a long and healthy life after treatment. However, it is important to remember that every individual case is unique, and there is no guarantee of a cure for any type of cancer.
In conclusion, testicular cancer is a rare but serious condition that can be successfully treated if caught early. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors, and to seek medical attention if you have any concerns. Regular self-exams and a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer.
Author: Neil A Haldar MBBS MD FRCS
Consultant Urological Surgeon
The Pelvic Specialists