Ten Thought-popping Facts About Testicular Cancer

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1. Testicular cancer is a disease of young and middle-aged men.
• Though, it can develop in males at any age, it is commonly seen on young adults.
• High risk ages between 20 and 34 accounts 50 % of testicular cancer.

2. Testicular cancer is developed from abnormal cell growth in the testicles.
• Testicles are part of the male reproductive system located inside a sac of skin called the scrotum that hangs behind the base of the penis.
• They make hormones (testosterone) and sperm.

3. The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown.
• The etiology of the disease is not fully understood.
• The chances of acquiring the diseases is linked to several risk factors like lifestyle, family history of cancer and some developmental defects or abnormalities (like undescended testes in infants and younger children).

4. Testicular tumor can be caused by other cancers elsewhere in the body.
• This is called secondary testicular tumors.
• Lymphoma is the most common source and form of testicular cancer among older men.
• Leukemia (cancer of the blood) can also spread cancer cells to testicles from the circulating blood.

5. Monthly testicular self-examination is important for early detection of testicular tumor.
• One testis is larger than the other, that is a normal physical characteristic of testes
• Pay attention of what “your body is telling you” and be alert to any changes.
• Swelling, lump or pain in testicles or in groin area which oftentimes lead men to seek medical attention, thus promoting early detection.
• The best time to do exam is after a warm shower when the scrotum is relax for easy palpation of anything unusual.

6. Testicle enlargement may not always suggest testicular tumors.
• Hydrocele is condition where a fluid collected around the testicles form a benign enlargement of the tissue.
• Have a doctor examine it to answer your doubt whether the condition is a tumor or not.

7. Testicular cancer treatment is based on the types of cancer.
• There are different types of cells in the testes that can possibly be a source of tumor growth.
• Types of testicular tumors are:
o Germ cell tumors, seminoma or non-seminoma; and
o Stromal tumor originates from hormone-producing cells and supportive tissues of the testicles which when it metastasizes doesn’t respond quite well with treatment.
• Specific types of testicular cancer is treated in one way and the others are managed another way. The treatment is also based on the stage of the cancer.

8. Prognosis of testicular is good.
• It is a highly treatable and has the highest cure rates among all types of cancer.
• If detected early, it has greater than 95 % survival rate.

9. Infertility may result from testicular cancer treatment.
• Sperm banking may give men the option if they want to have children before deciding to commence with the treatment
• Surgical removal of the testicles can affect sperm count and quality

10. Testicular cancer treatment may cause distressing emotional effects.
• Having diagnosed with testicular cancer might be very difficult.
• Physical changes in the body challenged men’s coping ability.
• Surgery is sometimes needed with complete remission of testicular cancer and when patient do not response well with all other treatment options.
• Sexual and professional aspects of men’s life are some of the few psychosocial consequences from the treatment.
• Patient must take an active role for his care. Self-advocacy should be incorporated in the treatment process to enjoy a normal life and not to be spurred out living in misery.

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