Testicular Cancer
Overview
The
testicles (testes) are located inside the scrotum, a loose
bag of skin underneath the penis. They produce male sex
hormones and sperm cells for reproduction.
Testicular
cancer is the most common cancer in American males between
the ages of 15 and 34. But denial and embarrassment about
the testicles contribute to testicular cancer being one
of the least mentioned cancers. The cause of testicular
cancer is unknown.
Testicular
cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early. Depending
on the type and stage of testicular cancer, you may receive
one of several treatments, or a combination. Regular testicular
self-examinations can help identify dangerous growths early,
when the chance for successful treatment of testicular cancer
is highest.
Signs
and symptoms
Illustration
of male reproductive system
Testicular cancer can result in a number of signs and symptoms.
These may include:
* A lump or enlargement in either testicle
* A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
* A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
* A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
* Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
* Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
* Unexplained fatigue or a general feeling of not being
well
Cancer
usually affects only one testicle.
Risk
factors
Researchers
don't know what causes testicular cancer. Risk factors may
include:
* An undescended testicle. Usually the testes form in the
abdominal area during fetal development and later descend
into the scrotum. Men who have a testicle that never descended
are at greater risk of testicular cancer than other men
are. The risk remains even if the testicle has been surgically
relocated to the scrotum. Still, the majority of men who
develop testicular cancer don't have a history of undescended
testicles.
* Age. Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men,
particularly those between ages 15 and 34.
* Race. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than
in black men. The reason for racial differences in the incidence
of testicular cancer is unknown.
* HIV infection. Some research has shown that men infected
with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially
those with AIDS, are at increased risk of developing testicular
cancer.
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The information on this page has been extracted from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/testicular-cancer/DS00046
