Posted in: Uncategorized by cancerhealercenter

Very few facts are known about Testicular Cancer. Though not a common cancer but can be dangerous if not diagnosed and treated on time. Testicular cancer is a disease in which cells become cancerous in one or more testicles. More than 90% of the cancer develops in the germ cells (cells which make sperms). There are different types of testicular cancers, but the most common ones are-

1. Seminomas:

This type of cancer tends to grow and spread more slowly than Non-Seminomas.  It accounts for around 40% of all the germ cells testicular cancers.

2. Non-Seminomas:

It accounts for around 60% of all the germ cells testicular cancers.

The exact cause of cancer is not known but there are several reasons that increase the risk of developing this type of cancer:

1. 
   

   
   Undescended testicles:

   
   Around 3-5% of boys are born with their testicles located inside their abdomen which usually descend into the scrotum.


2. 
   

   
   Family history:

   
   This is usually rare but having a member in the family can increase the risk.


3. 
   

   
   HIV infection:Men infected with HIV virus especially those having AIDS are at increased risk of developing this type of cancer.

   
   


4. 
   

   
   Race:

   
   The risk of cancer is 4 to 5 times more in white men than black men and 3 times more than Asian-American men.


5. 
   

   
   Smoking:

   
   According to research long term smokers are twice as likely to develop cancer than non-smokers.


6. 
   

   
   Height:

   
   No proper evidence has been collected regarding this issue but according to few studies men who are 6.1-6.3ft tall are twice as likely to develop cancer as average height.

Few of the prominent symptoms include:

1. 
   Painless lump or swelling in the testicle


2. 
   Pain or discomfort in the scrotum


3. 
   Pain in your lower abdomen


4. 
   Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum


5. 
   Feeling of being unwell and fatigue

Note that the swelling of the testicles can be due to various other reasons. For example, fluid can collect around the testicles to form a condition called Hydrocele. Or the veins around your testicles can dilate and form a lumpy growth around the testicles(Varicocele). So make sure that you consult a Doctor when you encounter any of the above mentioned symptoms. Few of the common tests that are done to detect the presence of cancer are:

1. 
   Scrotal Ultrasound


2. 
   Blood test


3. 
   Biopsy


4. 
   And other tests like X-ray, MRI etc.

Though testicular cancer cannot be usually prevented but it can always be diagnosed at an early stage and treated. Testicles should be analysed on a regular basis. The best time to check it is after a warm shower as the scrotal skin is most relaxed then. So any swelling or abnormalities in and around that area can be found. Remember cancer is a disease which is curable if detected early!