What Is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer also known as TC is a cancer that develops in the testicles which is a part of the male reproductive system. This type of cancer is most common in men between the ages of 15-40 years but most especially those in their early twenties. This cancer usually has a very high rate of not only survival but curability. The majority of cases of this type of cancer are cured after initial diagnosis is made and treatment is performed.
Because this cancer is considered relatively rare it is estimated that few men will be faced with it in their lifetime. Even so it is important to know what to watch for in relation to this cancer. In most cases a lump or growth on the testicle forms. This lump may be painful or the individual may feel nothing more than an unusual hardness. Either way you should have any growths checked promptly as early detection makes for easier treatments.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable and which treatment option is used is dependent on the stage of the cancer, the exact location and size and the age and general health of the individual. In some cases more than one treatment may be used to fully eradicate the cancer.
It has been noted that male children born with an undescended testicle are at an increased risk for developing testicular cancer even when surgery is done to correct this abnormality. It is still recommended that this surgery be performed to ensure the preservation of fertility. it is thought that whatever condition causes the testicle not to descend may be what increase this risk not the actual undescending testicle. Other abnormalities in which the testicles do not form properly may also increase the risk of developing TC.
Some common symptoms that men most especially those in their early twenties should be aware of include lumps appearing on either testicle, pain in the lower stomach, groin, scrotum or testicle areas and swelling or enlargement of the testicles.
Not all lumps found on the testicles are indicative of testicular cancer but should be checked at any rate. In many cases they are simply benign or non cancerous growths that may be easily removed in a variety of ways.
If you have any symptoms that may be associated with this type of cancer or that you think are unusual it is important to seek the advice of a health care professional. In its earliest stages TC is extremely treatable with a high success rate. The sooner TC is diagnosed the higher the chances that treatments will be completely effective. Symptoms of advanced TC may be more sever and affect other areas depending on what part of the body is affected and how far it has spread. Some of these symptoms may include lower back and stomach pain, confusion, dementia, headache, coughing, trouble breathing, chest pain, fever, excessive sweating and lack of energy. These symptoms generally indicate that the cancer has spread and should be looked into promptly.
