testicular cancer

What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are two walnut-shaped sex glands located in the scrotum. It occurs when malignant cells grow and multiply in the tissues of one or both testicles.

• Causes: The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic mutations that occur during fetal development [1].
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include painless swelling or a lump in a testicle, changes in size or shape, and sometimes pain or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum [7][5].
• Age Group Affected: Testicular cancer mainly affects young men between the ages of 20 and 39 [5].

Types of Testicular Cancer

There are several types of testicular cancer, including:

• Germ Cell Tumors: These are the most common type of testicular cancer and can be further divided into seminomas and non-seminomas.
• Leydig Cell Tumors: These are rare tumors that develop in the Leydig cells of the testicles.

Treatment and Prognosis

With timely diagnosis, testicular cancer is most likely treatable and often curable [3]. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. The prognosis for testicular cancer patients is generally good, especially if caught early.

• Survival Rate: According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for men with testicular cancer is about 95% [8].

References

[1] Context: Oct 10, 2024 — Testicular cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the testicles. [3] Context: With timely diagnosis, testicular cancer is most likely treatable and most often curable. [5] Context: Apr 20, 2024 — Testicular cancer mainly affects young men between the ages of 20 and 39. Symptoms include pain, swelling, or lumps in your testicles or ... [7] Context: Aug 14, 2024 — Testicular cancer may cause no symptoms. The most common symptom is a painless swelling or a lump in a testicle or a change in size or shape. [8] Context: Result: noun | malignant tumor of the testis; usually occurring in older men

Common Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer can be a serious health issue if left untreated, but early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment. Here are the common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer:

• Painless lump or swelling: A painless lump or swelling in either testicle is the most common symptom of testicular cancer [1][2][6].
• Swelling or sudden fluid build-up: Swelling or sudden fluid build-up in the scrotum can also be a sign of testicular cancer [2].
• Change in testicle size: A change in how the testicle feels, such as being larger than usual, can also indicate testicular cancer [7][8].
• Dull ache or pain: A dull ache or pain in the testicle, scrotum, or groin area can be a symptom of testicular cancer [4][9].
• Weight loss and other systemic symptoms: In some cases, testicular cancer may cause weight loss, difficulty breathing, coughing, or other systemic symptoms if it has spread to other parts of the body [5].

Important Notes

It's essential to note that not all men with testicular cancer will experience these symptoms. Some men may have no symptoms at all until the cancer is advanced [3]. If you find any lump or firm part of the testicle, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] May 17, 2018 — Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle becomes swollen or larger. [2] by II Stage — What are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer? · Swelling or sudden fluid build-up in your scrotum. · A lump or swelling in either testicle. [3] Shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cough, which can be signs that testicular cancer may have spread to your lungs; In rare cases, you may have no symptoms [4] A dull ache or pain in the testicle, scrotum or groin; Tenderness or changes in the male breast tissue. If you find any lump or firm part of the testicle, you ... [5] Main symptoms of testicular cancer · an ache or pain in your back or lower tummy · losing weight without trying · a cough · difficulty breathing or swallowing · a ... [6] Symptoms of testicular cancer · painless lump in the testicle · swelling so the testicle is larger than usual · pain or dull ache in the testicle or scrotum [7] Aug 14, 2024 — Testicular cancer may cause no symptoms. The most common symptom is a painless swelling or a lump in a testicle or a change in size or shape. [8] Apr 20, 2024 — What are the symptoms of testicular cancer? · A painless lump or swelling in either testicle · A change in how the testicle feels · A dull ache in ... [9] Change in testicle size. “If you've asked yourself, 'Why are my testicles bigger? · A lump in your testicle. · Feeling of heaviness or pain in the scrotum. · Pain ...

Diagnostic Tests for Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and blood tests to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the testicles.

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam by a healthcare provider is usually the first step in diagnosing testicular cancer. This includes checking for any lumps or abnormalities in the testicles [1].
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan of the testicles can help identify tumors and other abnormalities. It's often used to confirm the presence of cancer cells [2, 3].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can detect proteins made by testicular cancer cells, known as tumor markers. These tests are usually done in combination with imaging tests [1, 4].
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of blood cells, including red and white blood cells. It can help identify any abnormalities in the blood that may be related to cancer [5].
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests measure the levels of various chemicals in the blood, such as glucose and electrolytes. They can help identify any metabolic changes associated with cancer [6].
• Tumour Marker Tests: Tumor marker tests are used to detect proteins made by testicular cancer cells. These tests can be done on a sample of blood or tissue [1, 7].

Additional Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and stage the cancer. These include:

• CT Scans: CT scans use X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. They can help identify any tumors or metastases [8].
• MRI Scans: MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. They can be used to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the testicles [9].

References

[1] Oct 10, 2024 — Blood tests. A blood test can detect proteins made by testicular cancer cells. This type of test is called a tumor marker test. Tumor markers ...

[2] May 17, 2018 — Learn how doctors diagnose testicular cancer with physical examinations, ultrasounds, blood tests, and other imaging tests.

[3] As one of the largest testicular cancer diagnosis programs in the U.S., our experts use detailed assessment tests to diagnose testicular cancers early.

[4] Diagnosis of testicular cancer · Health history and physical exam · Ultrasound · Complete blood count (CBC) · Blood chemistry tests · Tumour marker tests · Removal of ...

[5] This page unpacks information about diagnosing testicular cancer including having an ultrasound, orchidectomy, further tests and surgery.

[6] NYU Langone doctors diagnose testicular cancer with blood tests and imaging tests such as CT scans and ultrasounds. Learn more.

[7] Tests your GP might do · Physical examination · Blood tests · Tests your specialist might do · Ultrasound scan of the testicles · CT scan · MRI scan · Tumour markers.

[8] Main tests for testicular cancer · blood tests · an ultrasound scan of your testicles ...

[9] CT, MRI and X-ray can be used for staging. PET scan or bone scan are not recommended for the routine evaluation of testicular cancer. Orchiectomy. Biopsy (or ...

Chemotherapy Plays a Crucial Role in Testicular Cancer Treatment

Testicular cancer treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat this type of cancer, especially when the disease has spread beyond the testicles.

• Common Chemotherapy Regimens: The most common chemotherapy regimens for testicular cancer include:
  • EP (etoposide and cisplatin): This combination is often used as a first-line treatment for non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) [7].
  • BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin): This regimen is typically used to treat more advanced cases of testicular cancer or when the disease has recurred [7].
• Other Chemotherapy Drugs: In addition to EP and BEP, other chemotherapy drugs such as bleomycin, dactinomycin, and ifosfamide may be used in combination with these regimens to enhance treatment effectiveness.
• Surgery and Radiation Therapy: Surgery (radical orchiectomy) is often the primary treatment for testicular cancer. However, chemotherapy may be recommended in conjunction with surgery or as a standalone treatment, especially when the disease has spread [3].

References:

[1] Drugs Approved for Testicular Cancer · Bleomycin Sulfate · Cisplatin · Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) · Dactinomycin · Etopophos (Etoposide Phosphate) ...

[2] May 17, 2018 — Cisplatin; Etoposide (VP-16); Bleomycin; Ifosfamide (Ifex®); Paclitaxel (Taxol®); Vinblastine. Using 2 or more chemo drugs often works better ...

[3] Testicular Cancer Treatment · Radical Orchiectomy · Partial Orchiectomy · Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection · Chemotherapy · Radiation Therapy.

[4] Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat testicular cancer. Learn when chemotherapy is given and what chemotherapy drugs are used. Learn more ...

[5] Your treatment team may add bleomycin to EP to treat tumors at a higher risk of spreading. TIP. This combines 3 drugs, paclitaxel (Taxol®), ifosfamide, and ...

[7] Sep 4, 2019 — Treatment is typically chemotherapy with 4 cycles of EP (etoposide and cisplatin) or 3 or 4 cycles of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin).

Note: The information provided above is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

Differential Diagnoses for Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, also known as testicular tumour, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The following are some differential diagnoses that should be considered when evaluating a patient with suspected testicular cancer:

• Epididymo-orchitis: This is an inflammation of the epididymis and testicle, which can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the scrotum.
• Hematoma: A collection of blood outside the blood vessels, which can cause a lump or swelling in the scrotum.
• Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and bleeding.
• Metastasis from other cancers: Testicular cancer can be a metastatic disease, meaning it has spread from another part of the body. This includes cancers such as lung cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer.

Other Considerations

In addition to these differential diagnoses, other conditions that should be considered when evaluating a patient with suspected testicular cancer include:

• Cryptorchidism: A condition where one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum.
• Family history: A family history of testicular cancer can increase the risk of developing the disease.
• Infertility: Infertility can be a symptom of testicular cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

References

1. Poynter JN. International testicular cancer incidence rates in children, adolescents and young adults. Cancer Epidemiol. 2018 Aug;[1] (cites [1])
2. When a diagnosis of testicular cancer is suspected based on physical examination and/or ultrasound findings, radical inguinal orchiectomy is often performed to confirm the diagnosis. ([2])
3. Cryptorchidism, family history, and infertility are risk factors for testicular cancer. Most testicular cancers occur in young men aged 18–35 years, and seminoma is the most common type of testicular cancer. ([3])
4. Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor among males 15 to 34 years old. ([4])

Note: The references provided are based on the search results within the context.