What Are The Testicular Cancer Symptoms?
Testicular cancer is a somewhat rare cancer that affects the testicles which is the reproductive organs of the male body. In order to detect this disease in its earliest stages it is important to know the testicular cancer symptoms.
Many people are under the misconception that cancer only happens to the older generation but this is untrue. The most common age for developing testicular cancer is between the ages of fifteen and forty although it can happen at other ages as well. This is why it is important to do regular monthly self exams. In order to know when changes are occurring in your body it is necessary to know how your body feels and looks under normal circumstances. This makes it easier to detect when you see or feel something out of the ordinary. If you do happen to notice abnormalities pay attention. Don’t let it go seek medical advice on how to best treat the possible problem.
When performing self examinations of the testicles it is best to do so during or after a warm bath or shower because this is when the skin is the softest and easiest to manipulate. You should look for anything unusual particularly any kind of lumps or possible swelling. It is considered normal for one testicle to appear larger and lower than the other so this alone is not a cause for alarm.
In addition to regular self examinations there are also certain testicular cancer symptoms that men of all ages should be aware of. Some of these symptoms may include blood in the semen, unusual sensitivity or pain in the testicles, pain in the stomach, groin or lower back areas, withdrawal or loss of interest in sex, weakness, fatigue, swelling and lumps on one or both testicles. Any changes in size of the testicles should be noted as testicles containing a tumor can swell as much as three times the normal size. It is important to have any abnormalities checked however not all lumps indicate tumors and tumors are not cancerous in all cases. This is why seeking medical attention is so important. There are tests available to determine if certain lumps are in fact testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer although considered slightly rare is treatable with a high success rate. This is especially true when it is caught in the early stages. The longer you put off seeking medical attention the higher the chances of the cancer spreading. As the cancer spreads it can affect other areas of the body. When this happens although it is often still treatable it can be much more difficult and time consuming.
Treatments of testicular cancer may include chemotherapy and radiotherapy depending on how advanced the cancer is. In some cases surgery may also be used but this is usually done in advanced cases. In some instances it may be necessary to surgically remove the testicle containing the tumor but sexual function usually returns to normal after recovery.
If think you may be experiencing testicular cancer symptoms see a doctor promptly. The longer you wait the worse it will get. Remember that you are the most important key in your recovery and treatment.
