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By Melissa Tennen, HealthAtoZ writer
Testicular cancer isn't often talked about - maybe because of embarrassment or denial. About 8,000 men each year get testicular cancer, and about 400 die. The good news is that it's highly treatable when caught early.
What is testicular cancer?
This is a cancer that develops in one or both testicles when cells begin to grow out of control.
Who gets testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer, though rare, is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 34. It usually strikes white men, often of Scandinavian descent. However, any male at anytime can develop the disease.
Who is at risk?
It's unclear what causes testicular cancer, but some men have a higher risk than others.
- Genes. If men in your family - especially your father or brother - have had testicular cancer, you have a greater chance of having it.
- An undescended testicle. In most men, the testicles move down to the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) before birth or in the first three months of life. If this doesn't happen, you can be at a higher risk for testicular cancer, even if you've had surgery to correct it.
- Age. Testicular cancer is rare in males older than 40 or younger than 15.
- History of testicular cancer. If you've had cancer in one testicle, you have a higher chance of having it in the other.
- HIV. Men infected with HIV, especially men with AIDS, may be at high risk.
What are the symptoms?
Cancer usually involves one testicle. Symptoms may include:
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A non-painful lump or swelling in a testicle
- Any enlargement of a testicle or change in how it feels
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back or groin
- A sudden collection of fluids in the scrotum
If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away. Testicular cancer is highly curable if caught early.
How is it found?
Most men discover these symptoms by accident or through a self-exam. Also, your doctor will check your testicles during a routine check-up.
If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, your doctor will ask about your family and medical histories, give you a physical exam and send you for tests. Certain tests - including blood tests, chest x-ray and ultrasound - may be done. The only way to be certain you have testicular cancer is for the testicle to be removed surgically and examined.
How is it treated?
It all depends on the nature of the cancer and whether it has advanced. Testicular cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
How is a self-exam done?
The American Cancer Society suggests that you do a self-exam during or after a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed. To do a self exam:
- Hold your penis out of the way and examine each testicle.
- Hold the testicle between your thumbs and fingers with both hands and roll it gently between your fingers.
- Look and feel for any hard lumps, smooth rounded masses or any changes in the size or shape.
If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor right away.
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External Sources
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American Cancer Society
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National Cancer Institute
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The Testicular Cancer Resource Center
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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