Testicular cancer has become curable
TESTICULAR cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting men between the ages of 15 years and 44 years. Approximately 164 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in Ireland.
Almost all testicular cancers are derived from germ cells. Germ cells are cells which are involved in making sperm and these cancers are divided into two main types - Seminomas and Non-seminomas. Seminomas most commonly affect men between the ages of 25 years and 55 years and these occur in about half of all cases. Non-seminomas usually affect younger men between the ages of 15 years and 35 years.
In general; half of all cases of testicular cancers occur in men under the age of 35 years. Testicular cancer rarely occurs before puberty. As mentioned; the prognosis for those diagnosed with testicular cancer is good and that is why it is important to know the risk factors and check yourself regularly. CAUSES Testicular cancer, like all cancers, develop when a cell becomes abnormal and multiplies out of control.
In many cases testicular cancer develops for no apparent reason, however there are men who are at increased risk of developing testicular cancer. Men at increased risk of developing testicular are as follows: - Men with a family history of testicular cancer. - Those with undescended testicles who have not had surgical correction.
- Men with abnormal sperm cell counts (it is important to highlight that men who have had a vasectomy are not at increased risk of developing testicular cancer). - White Northern European men. - HIV positive men. SYMPTOMS
A lump on the testicle, which is often painless, is usually the first symptoms of testicular cancer. In cases where testicular cancer has spread, men may complain of back pain or shortness of breath due to spread to bone or spread to the lungs. It is important to note that most swellings and lumps in the scrotum are not due to cancer.
There are various other causes of testicular lumps and that is why you should make an appointment to see your doctor if you discover a testicular lump. DIAGNOSIS
Your GP will order some provisional investigations if he or she suspects that you have testicular cancer. He or she will refer you to a Specialist for urgent assessment if testicular cancer is suspected and futher investigations will then be performed. These investigations may be as follows:
- First line investigations, usually performed by your GP, at presentation, include blood tests.
- Second line investigations such as Ultrasound Scans, are used to differentiate solid masses (usually due to tumours) from non-solid masses such as non-cancerous cysts. Ultrasound scans are fast and painless and are extremely useful in aiding diagnosis.
- Testicular biopsies are usually performed at Specialist level. These allow detailed examination of the cells that make up the testicular mass and thus accurate diagnosis of the specific type of cancer involved can then be facilitated. This will then guide the Specialist when deciding upon treatment options.
- Chest X-Rays as well as CT scans and MRI scans are also usually performed at Specialist level. These enable Specialists to assess if the cancer has spread or not, thus providing invaluable information in deciding upon the treatment options for each individual case. TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment options for men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In cases where surgery is performed, it is important to note that should a testicle be required to be removed (orchidectomy), then sexual function and fertility should remain unchanged.
Ultimately the exact regime of treatment will depend upon the type of cancer involved as well as whether or not the cancer has spread outside the testicle. PROGNOSIS
As mentioned, the outlook for patients with testicular cancer is very good. During the past few decades, testicular cancer has become a curable cancer in over 95% of cases and even if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, there is still a good chance of cure. All men, of all ages, should get to know how their testicles normally feel so that they can report any changes or lumps that they may discover to their GP without delay.
Further information and advice is available from www.cancer.ie