Testicular Cancer
Prevention
Because
the cause is unknown, there's no way to prevent testicular
cancer. However, a simple procedure called testicular self-examination
(TSE) can improve your chances of finding a tumor. Beginning
in your midteenage years, and continuing throughout your
life, examine your testicles regularly.
A
good time to examine your testicles is after a warm bath
or shower. The heat from the water relaxes your scrotum,
making it easier for you to find anything unusual. Do this
once a month.
To
do this examination, follow these steps:
* Stand in front of a mirror. Look for any swelling on the
skin of the scrotum.
* Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index
and middle fingers under the testicle while placing your
thumbs on the top.
* Gently roll the testicle between the thumbs and the fingers.
Remember that the testicles are usually smooth, oval shaped
and somewhat firm. It's normal for one testicle to be slightly
larger than the other. Also, the cord leading upward from
the top of the testicle (epididymis) is a normal part of
the scrotum. By regularly performing this exam, you will
become more familiar with your testicles and aware of any
changes that might be of concern.
* If you find a lump, call your doctor as soon as possible.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when identified
early.
Regular
self-examination is an important health habit. But it can't
substitute for a doctor's examination. Your doctor should
check your testicles whenever you have a physical exam.
If you have an undescended testicle — less than two testicles
in your scrotum — be sure to tell your doctor, who may refer
you to a urologist for treatment or a more specialized exam.
The testicles
testesThe testicles are two small oval shaped organs which
hang below the penis in a pouch of skin called the 'scrotum'.
They are part of the male reproductive system. From the
age of puberty the testicles produce sperm which can fertilise
the female egg.
The
collecting tubules inside the testicle join together to
form a tube called the epididymis. This tube carries on
and gets wider as it leaves the testicle. This wider tube
is called the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord continues
to form a short tube called the ejaculatory duct. It is
this duct that opens into the urethra (the tube from the
bladder to the end of the penis), just above the prostate
gland.
During
ejaculation, sperm move from the epididymis, up the spermatic
cord to the ejaculatory duct. They are mixed with liquid
called semen and propelled out of the penis.
The
testicles also produce the hormone 'testosterone'. Testosterone
is the main cause of male qualities such as
* A deep voice
* Beard growth
* Muscle development
* The ability to have an erection
* Sex drive (libido)
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The information on this page has been extracted from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/testicular-cancer/DS00046/DSECTION=8
