Abnormalities in the testicles
... know how to check them
By Dennis Webster
Story Created: Sep 7, 2014 at 9:51 PM ECT (T&T Express)Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men 15-29 years of age and is curable when caught early. Do you know how to check them? Many men are not aware of the proper way of checking their testicles for abnormalities. It is a very easy way of knowing whether things are normal or whether you need to see a doctor sooner rather than later.
According to the National Cancer Institute, 0.4 per cent of men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in their lifetime (results are based on 2008-2010 data).
Some signs and Symptoms include:
• A lump or enlargement that can be felt
• A sudden collection of fluid within the scrotum (sac containing the testicles)
• Pain in the testicles or scrotum
• A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
Late signs of testicular cancer could include:
• Back pain
• Fluid build up in the belly known as “ascites”(pronounced “ah-site-ease”)
• A cough with or without blood-stained sputum
• Shortness of breath (as a result of build up of fluid around the lungs)
No one knows for sure what causes testicular cancer. Like other cancers, testicular cancer cells begin growing uncontrollably causing cancerous lumps. Testicular cancer begins in the cells that produce sperm called “germ” cells. Similar to prostate cancer, age, family history and race are risk factors for testicular cancer. It is more common in white men as opposed to men of African descent.
There are basically two type of testicular cancer:
1. Seminoma
2. Non-seminoma
Reports state that for men with seminoma, the cure rate is as high as 90 per cent while men with
non-seminoma have a cure rate that is close to 100 per cent.
Depending on the type of testicular cancer, treatment can be any of the following or a combination:
• Surgery
• Radiation Treatment
• Chemotherapy
• High Dose Chemotherapy and stem cell transplant
According to the Canadian Cancer Society “Many of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer are vague and often mild. It is important to have any unusual symptoms checked by a doctor, especially if they happen frequently and last longer than 2–4 weeks”.
A diagnosis is based on a complete medical history and physical exam combined with other testing. Blood testing includes a complete blood count (CBC) and tumor markers (substance in your blood that can confirm the presence of cancer in this case your AFP, HCG and LDH levels).
AFP stands for Alpha fetoprotein and this can be elevated in
non-seminomas.
HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. This can be elevated in testicular cancer.
LDH stands for Lactose Dehydrogynase and high levels could reflect tumour behaviour.
You can also expect to have an ultrasound to confirm the presence of the tumour as well as a chest X-ray, a biopsy and a CT scan.
Treatment is generally based on the type of testicular cancer, how aggressive it is as well as your readiness to have something done.
It is important that you know how to check your testicles. The recommendation is you do so after a hot bath or shower when the muscles in your scrotum are relaxed and the testicles are hanging lower. Practice makes perfect. With regular checking, you will become more familiar with how they feel normally allowing you to readily identify any changes.
To find out the proper way to check them, send a blank e-mail to check@brachy4u.ca
