Monday, June 8, 2015

Important Facts About Testicular Cancer

By Elaine Guthrie


Testicular malignant growth affects the testicles which are the organs that produce the male sex hormone. It is a rare form of cancer compared to the others and affects males aged between 15 and 35 years. It is highly treatable even in cases where it has spread beyond the testicles. One may receive several or one treatment depending on the stage and type of testicular cancer. Growths can be identified in time through regular self-examinations. The chances of treatment are highest at this time.

There are several symptoms of the disease. Presence of enlargement in the testicles or a lump is one of the major symptoms. There may also be heaviness in the scrotum, with some people experiencing a dull ache within the abdomen. The testicles may experience some slight pain. Tenderness of breasts, back pain and dull ache in the abdomen are also indications. Usually, just a single testicle will be affected.

The cause of this condition is still not very clear. It is brought about by the alteration of healthy testicle cells. These cells will undergo abnormal growth. This makes them to keep dividing even if there is no need for new cells. The accumulation of cells will bring about formation of a mass within the testicle. Almost all testicular cancers start from the germ cells. Germs cells are those that produce immature cells.

Risk of contraction of this form of cancer is enhanced by some factors. One factor is the condition when one testicle fails to descend after prior to birth. The testes form in the area around the abdomen and are supposed to descend just before birth. If one of them does not, the individual will be at greater risk of contraction than those whose testicles descended normally. The risk is still high even after relocation of the testes surgically.

The condition is genetic. This means that an individual whose family members have suffered from the condition are more at risk. Age is another factor. Those aged between 15 and 35 are more at risk. However, it affects people of all ages. White men are more likely to be affected that black men. Furthermore, any condition that causes abnormal testicle development will increase the chances of contracting the condition.

In some cases, men will discover the condition on their own. This can happen intentionally when they look out for the symptoms or during self examination. In others cases, a doctor may notice the growth during regular checkup. Tests must be carried out to determine whether the lump is cancerous or not. One way to do this is through the use of ultrasound that involves taking images of the testicle.

Level of tumor markers is determined using blood tests. Blood markers are substances occurring normally in blood and whose levels are elevated when one has cancer of the testicles. There also is the option of surgically removing the testicle and determining if the growth is cancerous.

Treatment is dependent on different factors. Type of cancer, its stage, overall health of individual and preference are some of the factors. Treatment can be done through chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy.




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