Testicular cancer develops in the testicles, which are located inside the scrotum. It is a testicle that produces male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare. But testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males of the ages of 15 and 35. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle. One among the several treatments or a combination is used depending on the type and stage of type testicular cancer.
Factors that may increase your risk of testicular cancer include:
An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). The testes form in the abdominal area during fetal development and usually descend into the scrotum before birth. Men who have a testicle that never descended are at greater risk of testicular cancer than are men whose testicles descended normally. The risk remains elevated even if the testicle has been surgically relocated to the scrotum.
Still, the majority of men who develop testicular cancer don’t have a history of undescended testicles.
Abnormal testicle development. Conditions that cause testicles to develop abnormally, such as Klinefelter syndrome, may increase your risk of testicular cancer.
Family history. If family members have had testicular cancer, you may have an increased risk.
Age. Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 35. However, it can occur at any age.
Race. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men.
Extracted testicles will be analyzed to determine the type of testicular cancer. In general, there are two types of testicular cancer:
Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:
The options for treating your testicular cancer depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and your own preferences.
Surgery: To remove testicle (radical inguinal orchiectomy) with or without removal of lymph nodes is the primary treatment for nearly all stages and types of testicular cancer.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a treatment option that’s sometimes used in people who have the seminoma type of testicular cancers after surgery.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the main modality of treatment. These cancers are highly chemo sensitive and respond well.