Testicular cancer is a cancer developing in the reproductive system in males. This cancer affects the testicles by forming lumps and shows other symptoms. This disease is highly curable and treatable. This disease relatively uncommon. This can be developed typically either in one testicle or the both. Self examination is highly recommended for every men to perform every month. Technique called Testicular self-exam (TSE) is an easy and optional technique for men to recognize the health status of their testicles. Men can easily detect the changes or any kind of abnormal conditions in these important organs of the body. Testicular cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in the testicles. There is no significant causing factor for this disorder. Every year 1%-2% of people getting affected by testicular cancer out of all cancers. White men are highly contrastable to this disease. This disease can be hereditary run from generations to generations. People who suffer from klinefelter’s syndrome can also get affected by testicular cancer.
The fundamental principle of a testicular self-exam (TSE) is to identify the existence of any kind of physical abnormality in testicles which may signify severe underlying diseases like testicular cancer. The most important intention of a TSE is to identify the existence of lumps. Such lumps may or may not signify the advance of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer generally attacks on one testicle. Testicular cancer is very rarely seen. males of age 15-34 are highly contrastable to this disease. So TSE test is recommended to carry out every month to detect abnormalities and alteration in the testicles.
There are two major types of testicular cancer namely seminomas and non-seminomas. This both responds high for the chemotherapy treatment. Other less common types are leydig cell tumour, sertoli cell tumour, lymphoma.
Self-examination of Testicles (TSE):
Before the test take a hot shower or bath to relax the tissues of scrotum which makes easy to detect the abnormalities if present. Keep your thumb on one testicle and the remaining fingers behind it. Easily around the testicle roll the fingers to detect the presence of any lumps. You should also check for any change in the color or any inflammation. This procedure should be repeated for the other testicle too.
During TSE you may feel the sperm carrying tube as lump, which will not signify any kind of abnormality. While examining you can observe one testicle looks slightly bigger than the other and placed slightly below than the other testicle. This is a general characteristic and it is not a indication of any abnormality. In case if you find any such abnormal changes you must contact expert.
Who is at high risk of contracting to testicular cancer:
Young aged people are mostly affected by this disease, specially people of age 15-40. People suffering from infection of testicles, cryptorchidism have high chances of getting this disease. Medical analysis says this cancer is genetically transmittable. People working in industries or plants of crude minerals like steel, iron, manganese etc. have chances of contrasting testicular cancer. Smokers, drug addicts, cancer causing toxic substances may get this disease.
Major Symptoms:
Growth of nodules or the hard lumps of small size near the testicles is the major vital symptom of testicular cancer. Lumps can be like rice grains or the pea size. Inflammation in the testicles and severe pain in the area where lumps are present. Swelling in scrotums, enlargement in the size of testicles. Pain in the back, in groin areas, lower abdominal region, sudden accumulation of water in scrotums. breasts turn out tender.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
This type of cancer can be easily recognised as compared to other cancers. Most of the men finds out this disorder by examining the testicles. This technique is called TSE. To confirm the disease x-ray, biopsy, scanning can be done. Once the disease identified treatment will be started.
This disorder can be cured in its early stages. Many techniques like hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, nutritional therapy, radiotherapy, surgery, medication can be performed to cure the disease. Treatment includes surgical removal of testicles. After removal saline filled prosthetic is placed if the patient have desire for it. In later surgeries chemotherapy and radiation therapies are performed. After the surgery medicines are given to kill the remaining cancerous cells in the body. Physician decides the combination of therapies according to the complication of the disease.
We can see some adverse effects of some of the therapies like radiotherapy which destroys the uninfected cells. high power medication makes the patient to experience lethargy.after the treatment patient’s diet must be carefully maintained. Medicines must be taken according to the prescription of doctor.
People who reached puberty are recommended to perform TSE once in a month. Detecting the disease in primary stages is essential to restrict the spread and growth of cancer cells.
How to avoid the risk of contrasting to cancer:
Smoking is highly injurious to health which leads to cancer so quit smoking. Avoid junk food and consume healthy vegetables and fresh fruits. Exercise,yoga, meditation keeps you physically fit. Excessive consumption of alcohol must be avoided. Stay away from toxic subsatances which causes cancer.