TESTICULAR CANCER

The causes of testicular cancer are not known. However, studies show that several factors increase a man's chance of developing testicular cancer.

What are the Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer?

The risks include:

• Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) - Normally, the testicles descend into the scrotum before birth. Men who have had a testicle that did not move down into the scrotum are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is true even if surgery is performed to place the testicle in the scrotum.
• Abnormal testicular development - Men whose testicles did not develop normally are also at increased risk.
• Klinefelter's syndrome - Men with Klinefelter's syndrome (a sex chromosome disorder that may be characterized by low levels of male hormones, sterility, breast enlargement, and small testes) are at greater risk of developing testicular cancer.
• History of testicular cancer - Men who have previously had testicular cancer are at increased risk of developing cancer in the other testicle.
  

Types of Testicular Cancer

The 3 main types of testicular cancer are:

• Germ Cell Tumors - This is the most common type of testicular cancer. Germ cell tumors grow in the cells that make sperm. Over 9 out of 10 of cancers of the testicles start in the germ cells.

• Stromal Tumors - These tumors grow in other parts of the testicles, such as the cells that make hormones. Stromal cell tumors are often benign (not cancer).

• Secondary Testicular Tumors - These tumors develop from cancer that has spread to the testicles from other parts of the body. Secondary testicular tumors start in another organ and then spread to the testicle. Lymphoma is the most common cancer of this type.

What are Symptoms of Testicular Cancer?

Most testicular cancers are found by men themselves. Also, doctors generally examine the testicles during routine physical exams. Between regular checkups, if a man notices anything unusual about his testicles, he should talk with his doctor. When testicular cancer is found early, the treatment can often be less aggressive and may cause fewer side effects.

Men should see a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms:

• A painless lump or swelling in either testicle
• Any enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or the groin (the area where the thigh meets the abdomen)
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum

How is Testicular Cancer Diagnosed?

To help find the cause of symptoms, the doctor evaluates a man's general health. The doctor also performs a physical exam and may order laboratory and diagnostic tests including blood tests for tumor markers and ultrasound. If a tumor is suspected, the doctor will probably suggest a biopsy, which involves surgery to remove the testicle.

If testicular cancer is found, more tests are needed to find out if the cancer has spread from the testicle to other parts of the body. Determining the stage (extent) of the disease helps the doctor to plan appropriate treatment.

How is Testicular Cancer Treated?

Most men with testicular cancer can be cured with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Seminomas and nonseminomas grow and spread differently, and each type may need different treatment. Treatment also depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's age and general health, and other factors. Men are often treated by a team of specialists, which may include a surgeon, a medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist.

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