We’ll be talking to you men!
Did you know that there is a cancer that affects the testicles? And that it is more common in the younger population?
Testicular cancer accounts for around 5% of all cancer cases in men. It is easily cured when detected early and has a low mortality rate.
Although rare, it is worrying because the highest incidence is in men of working age – between 15 and 50. At this stage, there is a chance of it being confused with, or even masked by, orchiepididymitis, which is inflammation of the testicles and epididymis, the channels located behind the testicles that collect and carry sperm, diseases that are usually transmitted sexually.
Testicular cancer tends to grow rapidly and it is relatively common for metastases to be detected at the time of diagnosis. In more advanced situations, metastases can spread to the lymph nodes* in the chest, the lungs, liver, bones and even the brain.
*What are lymph nodes? are small structures that act as filters for harmful substances. They contain immune system cells that help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs that are carried by the lymphatic fluid.
And what are the symptoms?
The most common is the appearance of a hard lump, usually painless, about the size of a pea. But you should be on the lookout for other changes, such as an increase or decrease in the size of the testicles, hardening, imprecise pain in the lower abdomen, blood in the urine and enlargement or tenderness of the nipples. If any changes are observed, a doctor, preferably a urologist, should be consulted.
How to diagnose?
While testicular cancer is an aggressive type, with a high rate of tumor cell duplication (which causes the disease to progress rapidly), it is also easy to diagnose and has a high cure rate, as it responds well to chemotherapy treatments. Diagnosis is made by ultrasound examination of the scrotum and the measurement of tumor markers in the blood.
Self-examination of the testicles is an important habit for early diagnosis of this type of cancer. Although there is no set protocol, self-assessment should be encouraged and medical assistance recommended in the event of alterations or doubts. In other words, getting your testicles checked is important.
Testicular cancer can be treated!
Initial treatment is always surgical. If the nodule is small and the tumor markers are normal, you can opt for a biopsy (removal of a fragment of tissue to be examined under a microscope). The results of the test are given during surgery. If the testicle is positive for cancer, it is partially or completely removed. Most commonly, the affected testicle is completely removed. The patient’s sexual or reproductive function is not affected, as long as the other testicle is healthy.
Subsequent treatment may be radiotherapy, chemotherapy or clinical control. Complementation will depend on an investigation, which will assess the presence or possibility of the disease spreading to other organs.
How to prevent it?
Unfortunately, there are no scientifically proven methods for preventing testicular cancer. This neoplasm is more likely to be related to a previous history of cryptorchidism (children born without a testicle inside the scrotum/testicular sac), especially when uncorrected or if corrected late (after 2 years of age). Other risk factors include a personal and/or family history of testicular neoplasia and abnormal testicular development.
Men’s health also needs attention and care! If you have any doubts, contact a urologist for a more precise consultation.
Source: INCA