Introduction
The testicle or testes are a pair of organs found in males and are responsible mainly for production of the male sexual hormone testosterone and germ cells or sperm respectively. Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is responsible for a variety of functions that constitute the male-related changes seen during adolescence- a deep or cracked voice, muscle development, increased muscular definition, body hair growth, and the beginning of sperm production. Sperm is obviously needed for fertilisation and reproduction. Cancer can hence affect all these aspects adversely.
Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Cancer is defined as an uncontrolled division of a group of cells. This may lead to the formation of a lump. It can occur in anyone between the ages of 15-45 years. The advantage is that it can be treated easily. Some symptoms that you may face are as follows-
- A swollen or lumpy testicle- usually just one
- Scrotum feels heavy
- Pain or feeling uncomfortable down there
- Changes in the breast tissue too – in the form of tenderness
Incidence of Testicular Cancer in India
Many studies have shown that Asian and African men have a higher chance of getting this cancer. But, we don’t know why that happens. However, India has a very low incidence, thankfully. The rates of occurrence stand at around 0.5-1 per 100,000 of the population.
How is Testicular Cancer Diagnosed?
Your physician is the best person to help you get started, by taking a detailed medical history. This is because it may be due to genetics, undescended testicles or germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). You can also do self exams every month that involve touching and feeling the scrotum carefully and delicately. This is to understand if there are any lumps or pain. Both of these symptoms are NOT normal. For greater detail, an ultrasound is done. Blood tests can also give us information about the presence of certain biomarkers.
How dangerous is a Testicular Cancer Lump?
The good thing is early stages are 100% treatable. There are 4 stages in total- Stage 0, 1, 2, and 3 respectively.
Treatment Options for Testicular Cancer
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, and the stage the cancer is in. Stage 0 is benign, but Stage 3 is highly malignant and you may find that cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, with a high incidence of tumour markers found in the blood. Since one testicle gets affected most of the time, it can be surgically removed (orchiectomy). Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be done. Testis sparing surgery (TSS) is also considered in some cases of benign tumours.
Conclusion
Treatment options aim to retain or even improve quality of life. This means there are no major detrimental changes to your libido or fertility. The catch however is if you have undergone a few rounds of radiation therapy, then you may get a different kind of cancer in the future (extremely unlikely). Watch your heart and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs
Q1. What are the potential side effects of testicular cancer treatment?
Rare side effects include infertility, hair loss, fatigue, nausea or cardiovascular issues in the long run. Other cancers may also be a remote possibility.
Q2. Can testicular cancer affect fertility and sexual function?
Chemotherapy is a major culprit in this regard. You can look at options that include sperm banking to ensure that your capacity to have children in the future remains unaffected, before beginning any major form of treatment. But generally, this possibility is very low.
Q3. Is testicular cancer preventable?
Monitoring by doing self-exams is a good start. But this is not foolproof. But keeping a close watch on symptoms can ensure that it is caught early on, and resolution is easier.
Q4. Are there lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of testicular cancer recurrence?
Not really, but eating well, not drinking alcohol or smoking and getting regular exercise can all aid in reducing recurrence in the future.
Q5. Can testicular cancer affect both testicles?
Yes, there is a possibility that both get affected, but it is extremely rare. Cancerous cells normally start growing on one side at first, but may then spread to the other side too. Most men have two differently sized testicles, so size is not a good parameter to look for, when doing self exams. It is more if pain or swelling is present or not.
Q6. How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled after treatment?
Follow ups are generally done every 3 months or so, for the first year after treatment. Second year onwards- in 4 month intervals. Third to fifth years- every 6 months. After being cancer-free for five years or longer, annual check ups will be scheduled. Of Course this could change, due to personal requirements, but your physician should help in this regard.
