Warning Signs of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the term used to describe a condition where the testicles of a man contract malignant cancer. It is a very rare form of cancer and of all the caners suffered by men only 1% of the cases is that of testicular cancer. About 7500 to 8500 cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed in the US each year and the total number of deaths due to the same is about 400. The exact cause of testicular cancer is still not know but the signs and risk factors which might lead to the development of testicular cancer have been identified.
There are higher chances of white skinned men suffering from testicular cancer as compared to men of other races and the most common age group happens to be 15 to 40. It has also been noticed that men suffering from cryptorchidism – a problem where the testicles are undescended, stand a higher risk of developing testicular cancer, even if surgery has been performed to set right the problem. Also genetic factors and abnormal development of the testicles can lead to the same.
Even though testicular cancer is completely curable if detected in the earliest stages, most men suffering from it realize the problem only after the cancer has spread beyond the testicles to other surrounding parts. In most cases, the man himself figures out that he is suffering from testicular cancer. Doctors always suggest that a man suspecting testicular cancer should have the state of their testicles tested at least once every month. This test is called the TSE or the testicular self-examination. The frequent need to test your testicles will always help to detect testicular cancer in its earliest stages and thus help in early recovery – especially in the case of those who have genetic threats of incurring the same. The test is easy and you are only required to feel your testicles from the top to the bottom to try and sense any form of lumps that you might feel needs medical intervention and if the need be, medial assistance is never too far away.
Other than the development of lumps in the testicles, other warning signs of testicular cancer is swelling of the testicles, pain around the testicular region, pain in the lower abdomen and groin area, enlargement of the testicles, and accumulation of fluid in the scrotum or swelling of the scrotum.
In most cases, it is seen that men do not even realize they have testicular cancer till the cancer has spread to its last stage and then obviously the malignancy is beyond all cure. Because the symptoms of testicular cancer are not easy to notice, men often report having no problems. However please do keep in mind that if you do experience the symptoms and signs listed before, it does not necessarily mean that you have testicular cancer. On noticing the signs above, you must consult a doctor so you can be guided and recommended treatment if necessary for cancer of for whatever it is that you have been suffering from.
