Here’s some information on testicular cancer. The overall incidence is 4 in 100,000 men for Testicular cancer.
Good thing about this cancer is the fact that this is relatively rare and has a successful cure rate of 99 per cent if it is captured early.
Very Uncommon Sign! More importantly, so has the fact that testicular cancer pain itself is a very uncommon sign of cancer. It is most commonly seen in young men.
The occurrence is 5 times as common in white men as in black men.
It is a painless lump in the testicle that is more suggestive of a tumor. It most commonly presents as a painless lump or a sense of heaviness in the scrotum.
Typically, testicular cancer produces a painless swelling of one testicle, a swelling which cannot be distinguished from the testicle itself by examination and therefore does not appear to be located in the epididymis or surrounding structures.
An undescended testicle that was not surgically corrected in early childhood is the major predisposing factor. Other risk factors include previous cancer in the other testicle, a history of mumps that affected the testicles, high socioeconomic status and inguinal hernia.
Since testicular cancer is the commonest cancer in young men aged between 18 and 35, and if neglected and left untreated can prove serious, any lump in the scrotum that is new and abnormal should always be urgently reported to the doctor.
The bottom line is that any pain or discomfort in a testicle is abnormal and although many lumps that may be felt are benign, it is always essential to have them checked by a doctor, especially if they are painless.
Don’t Fear! Good News Is Here! Nowadays, testicular cancer is curable in more than 99 per cent of cases, so no need to fear at all. Everything can be gained by undergoing prompt investigation and treatment.
Testicular cancer can result in a number of signs and symptoms. These may include:
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breast area
- Unexplained fatigue or a general feeling of not being well
- A lump or enlargement in either testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
- A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
It should be noted that testicular cancer usually affects only one testicle. The vast majority of lumps or pain in the testicles may also be due to other causes rather than cancer.
Diagnosis! The most common diagnoses include: testicular torsion, hydrocoele, varicocoele, epididymitis, inguinal hernia and spermatocoele.
Don’t Worry! If the diagnosis is not obvious from physical examination, usually an ultrasound of the scrotum to investigate further is ordered by the physician. Suspicious masses will be removed for biopsy by a urologist.
Studies show that only 4% of testicular cancer cases are found by a physician during a routine examination, with the rest being self-reported. Yes, even self examination can be performed as an initial step before going to a doctor.
Most often the patient notices the warning signs of testicular cancer during a testicular self-examination. The testicular cancer is discovered by a sexual partner, after an injury, or while diagnosing infertility occasionally.
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