Dil / Language

Testicular Cancer

 

The testes are two small oval-shaped organs hanging on the underside of the penis in a skin sac called the scrotum. It is part of the male reproductive system. From puberty, the testes produce sperm. Testes also produce the hormone testosterone, known as the male sex hormone.

 

What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?

 

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is usually a painless lump or swelling in part of the testicle. A cancerous lump can be as small as a pea or much larger. It is usually not painful, but some men may experience slight pain in the damaged testicle or lower abdomen. You may feel that your scrotum (testicular bag) is heavy. The skin surrounding the scrotum testicles is a sac.

 

How is testicular cancer diagnosed?

 

Early diagnosed cancers can be treated more easily. The easiest way to check the testicles is to have a warm shower or bath after the scrotum is relaxed. Then examine your testicles using the fingers of both hands as well as your thumb. Feel each testicle gently. Any discernible change in size or weight may mean that something is wrong. Normally, you should feel a soft canal on the upper back of the testicle. The testis itself should not contain lumps or swelling, but should be flat. If you notice a swelling in your testicle, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

 

What are the types of testicular cancer?

 

Germ cell and non-germ cell testicular tumors are two main groups. Germ cell ones are divided into two main groups as seminoma and non-seminoma. They develop from germ cells in the testes. Approximately 40-45 (100%) of 100 testicular cancers are completely seminoma. Most of the rest are mixtures of different types of non-seminoma testicular cancer. All these testicular cancers are treated in the same way. Lymphoma is another common type of cancer seen in the testes of men over 50 years of age.

 

What are the risks and causes of testicular cancer?

 

We don't know exactly what causes this disease, but there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing the disease: Failure to correct the undescended testis until the age of 11 increases the risk of testicular cancer in men. Having a rare mumps complication called orchitis also increases your risk of developing cancer.

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) means the presence of abnormal cells in the testis. This is not a type of cancer, but if left untreated it can cause cancer to develop. Men with testicular cancer are also at high risk of developing cancer in other testicles. There is a small risk for men experiencing fertility problems. Having a father or brother with testicular cancer increases the risk of developing cancer. Researchers think that 1 (20%) of 5 testicular cancers is caused by hereditary gene changes (faulty genes).

​

How is Testicular Cancer Treated?

 

Treatment of Testicular Tumor The first treatment step in all testicular tumors is the removal of the testis by open operation. (Radical Orchiectomy Surgery) After this stage, the whole body will be screened and blood tests (testicular tumor markers) and tomography are performed. If there is any residual or spreading sign of the disease, secondary treatments are started. These treatments may also include RPLND (an operation where lymph nodes are removed), chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Diagnosis and treatment of all testicular tumors requires a combined treatment approach. Therefore, it is better to apply to the centers where oncology and urology departments are located.