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Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, effects a part of the male reproductive system known as the testis. Testicular cancer can be caused by any type of cell found in the testes, but more than 95% of all cancers of the testes are from germ cells. (Germ cells produce sperm; they are not pathogenic but rather the name developed from the term "germination").

Germ cell tumors are classified as either:

a) Seminomas are slow-growing, immature germ cells. Seminomas, when found, tend to be only in the testicles (that is, to be localized), simply because they spread relatively slowly.

b) Nonseminomas, on the other hand, are more mature germ cells which spread more quickly. (Nonseminomas are classified as one of three or four subtypes; their rate of spread varies somewhat but they are treated similarly.)

A case of testicular cancer is categorized as being in one of three stages (which have subclassifications).

1) Stage one is where the cancer remains in the testicle.

2) In stage two, the cancer has spread to the nearest lymph nodes, small bean shaped structures that produce and store infection fighting cells, in the abdomen.

3) In stage three, the cancer has spread further to locations including the kidneys, liver, bones, lungs or brain. The majority of cases are stage 1, when first identified; stage 3 is relatively rare.

testicular cancer symptoms

As testicular cancer is curable when detected early, experts recommend regular monthly testicular self-examination after a hot shower when the scrotum is looser. Men should examine each testicle first feeling for lumps then, compare them together to see if one is bigger than the other.

symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• a lump in one testicle
• pain and tenderness in testicles
• blood in sperm during ejaculation
• build up of fluid in the scrotum
• enlargement or tenderness of breasts
• a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• and an increase, or significant decrease, in the size of one testicle

Men should report any of these to a doctor as soon as possible.

Posted by Staff at June 9, 2005 9:32 AM

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