Testicular cancer is one of the rare cancers but is extremely dangerous if not detected in time. Although the survival rate is high when treated early, lack of awareness and subjectivity in self-examination makes the disease easy to ignore.
Early diagnosis is a decisive factor, helping minimize the invasion level and increase the chance of successful treatment. Modern treatment methods bring great hope to patients, opening the way to a healthy recovery.
Testicular cancer often affects younger men but is usually curable.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the testicles — the organs responsible for producing sperm and the male hormone testosterone. It is rare but the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. Although it usually has a very good prognosis if detected early, its nature is still potentially dangerous.
Malignant cells and mutations
This cancer forms when cells in the testicles begin to divide uncontrollably, leading to the appearance of a tumor. Most cases are germ cell tumors, which include two main types: seminoma (slow-growing) and non-seminoma (fast-growing).
Special characteristics and warnings
The tumor is usually painless, creating a feeling of "quiet but alarming." The patient may only detect it through a slight swelling, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or sometimes vague signs in the lower abdomen. Those signals, however faint, can be alarm bells.
Causes and risk factors
Testicular cancer is a unique form of cancer where genetic factors, congenital abnormalities, and living environment are intertwined to create a complex picture of causes. The medical community has not yet determined the exact cause of malignant transformation in testicular cells. However, many risk factors have been documented through large-scale epidemiological studies.
Cryptorchidism and silent risks
Men who have had cryptorchidism — a condition in which the testicles do not descend into the scrotum at birth — have a 3 to 8 times higher risk of developing testicular cancer. This risk persists even after surgery to lower the testicles.
Genetics, race, and family history
Family history is worth noting: the risk increases significantly if a father or brother has had the disease. In addition, whites have a higher incidence of the disease than other races, suggesting a role for genetic factors combined with living environment.
Immune system and special syndromes
People with HIV infection, or Klinefelter syndrome, have a higher than average risk. This is an uncommon but important puzzle piece in assessing disease risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer develops silently, with symptoms often being vague in the early stages. This causes many patients to ignore it, leading to a late diagnosis. However, early warning signs can be life-saving.
Lumps and swelling
Lumps are the main sign. A hard, painless lump in the testicle can be a sign of cancer. A change in the size or shape of the scrotum may accompany the swelling.
Dull heaviness and pain
Heaviness in the scrotum, combined with dull pain or a feeling of tension for no apparent reason, can be a suspicious symptom. These pains are not like the symptoms of common diseases and can last for days.
Distant symptoms
As the cancer progresses, the patient may experience symptoms such as back pain, lower abdominal pain, or symptoms related to metastasis, such as cough or shortness of breath. This sign indicates that the cancer has spread, making treatment difficult.
How is testicular cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosing testicular cancer requires a meticulous process, combining clinical and paraclinical tests to determine the presence, type, and extent of the disease. Early and accurate detection can make a big difference in treatment and prognosis.
Clinical examination and physical examination
The doctor will conduct a direct examination and palpation to detect abnormal tumors or changes in the size and shape of the testicle. Sometimes, some tumors may be painless, which makes detection more difficult.
Testicular ultrasound
Ultrasound is the main tool for identifying tumors in the testicle. This is a non-invasive method, helping to visualize the shape and characteristics of the tumors, thereby preliminarily classifying the nature of the tumor as malignant or benign.
Blood Tests and Tumor Markers
Blood markers such as hCG, AFP, and LDH help assess the severity of the cancer and determine whether it has spread. Combined with ultrasound imaging, these tests help doctors diagnose more accurately.
Stages of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is divided into stages to determine the extent of spread and decide on appropriate treatment. Each stage reflects the disease's progression and profoundly impacts prognosis and the ability to treat it.
Stage I: Testicular cancer
In the early stages, cancer is confined to the testicle and has not spread beyond it. The cure rate is very high when detected early, and surgery to remove the testicle (orchiectomy) is often the main treatment.
Stage II: Cancer spreads to the lymph nodes
The cancer begins to metastasize to the lymph nodes near the testicle, usually in the lower abdomen. Timely detection through imaging tests and tumor markers is extremely important for intervention.
Stage III: Distant metastasis
At this stage, cancer can spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, liver, or bones. Treatment becomes more complex, combining chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes surgery to remove remaining cancer cells.
Assessment and prognosis
Each stage requires a specific treatment strategy, and survival depends on the stage at which the cancer is detected and treated.
Treatment Options
Testicular cancer treatment is a complex process that requires a combination of methods to optimize treatment outcomes and protect long-term health. Each treatment option depends on the stage of the disease, the type of cancer cells, and the patient's general health.
Orchiectomy
Orchiectomy is the main treatment for most cases of testicular cancer. It is the first step in treatment and can cure the cancer if it has not spread. Removing a testicle does not seriously affect a man's fertility or sexual function.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
In patients with widespread cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are used to destroy the remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs such as BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) to stop the growth of cancer cells, while radiation therapy is mainly used for patients with seminoma.
Long-term monitoring and surveillance
In some cases, especially in patients with early-stage testicular cancer, long-term monitoring through blood tests and imaging helps detect early recurrence, ensuring long-term treatment results.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
The prognosis of testicular cancer depends on many factors, of which the stage of detection and the type of cancer play the most important roles. With remarkable advances in treatment methods, the survival rate of testicular cancer patients has reached an impressive level, especially when the disease is detected early.
Disease stage and prognosis
In stage I, testicular cancer often has a survival rate of up to 95-99%, thanks to timely intervention and effective treatments such as surgery to remove the testicle. However, if the disease progresses to stages II and III, the survival rate gradually decreases, especially if the cancer has metastasized to other organs.
Impact of cancer type
Non-seminoma testicular cancers tend to grow faster and may have a worse prognosis than seminoma. However, both types can be treated effectively if detected and treated promptly.
Recurrence Rates and Long-Term Follow-Up
Despite the high survival rate, patients still need close follow-up after treatment to detect early recurrence. The success of treatment depends on the ability to control and prevent cancer recurrence in the first years after treatment.
Life after testicular cancer
After surviving testicular cancer, patients face a recovery process that is not only physical but also psychological, and long-term follow-up is necessary to ensure there is no recurrence. Life after treatment can be challenging, but most patients can return to a normal life with the right support and care.
Fertility and Sperm Storage
One of the main concerns for patients is fertility after treatment. Although orchiectomy can affect fertility, many patients can still maintain fertility with proper treatment. Storing sperm before chemotherapy or radiotherapy is an important option for patients who plan to have children in the future.
Hormonal Effects and Quality of Life
Losing a testicle can affect the body's testosterone levels, leading to problems such as decreased sex drive, fatigue, and mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy can help correct these problems and improve quality of life.
Psychological Support and Health Monitoring
After treatment, support from family, friends, and mental health professionals is important in helping patients overcome psychological and emotional changes. Regular monitoring to detect early disease recurrence is also important to protect long-term health.
Self-examination and prevention
Testicular self-examination is a simple but extremely important method for detecting testicular cancer early, providing the opportunity for effective treatment and increasing survival rates. Being proactive in checking can make a big difference in detecting the disease at an early stage when treatments are less invasive and more effective.
How to perform a testicular self-examination
To relax the cremaster muscles, a testicular self-examination should be performed monthly, preferably after a warm bath. Use your fingers and palms to gently palpate each testicle to look for any lumps, swelling, or unusual sensations. If you notice any changes, it is important to seek medical advice immediately.
Prevention and risk reduction
Although testicular cancer cannot be completely prevented, certain factors can reduce the risk, including treating undescended testicles at an early age, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular health check-ups. Men with a family history of testicular cancer should pay special attention and undergo regular check-ups.
Conclusion
Testicular cancer, although rare, can be effectively treated if detected early. Modern diagnostic methods and advanced treatments have helped increase survival rates and improve patients' quality of life.
By being proactive in self-examining and being aware of risk factors, men can minimize the impact of the disease.
Advances in medicine and psychological support are important in helping patients overcome this challenge and live healthy lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Testicular Cancer
- How early can testicular cancer be detected?
Early detection of testicular cancer is mainly through monthly self-examination of the testicles. Lumps or unusual changes can be detected and examined immediately to determine an accurate diagnosis. - Who is susceptible to testicular cancer?
Men between the ages of 15 and 35 are at high risk of testicular cancer, especially those with a history of undescended testicles or relatives with the disease. Genetics plays an important role in this. - Can testicular cancer be completely cured?
Testicular cancer can be completely cured with early detection and timely treatment. Depending on early and accurate treatment intervention, the survival rate in the early stages is up to 95-99%. - Does testicular cancer treatment affect fertility?
Orchiectomy can affect fertility, but patients can still maintain fertility if only one testicle is lost. Storing sperm before treatment is a smart choice. - What should be monitored after testicular cancer treatment?
After treatment, patients need regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds to detect early recurrence and ensure long-term stable health.
