INTRODUCTION: Testicular cancer is a disorder that occurs when cancerous (malignant) cells develop in the tissues of a testicle and is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 20 to 35. It is most common among Caucasians and rare among men of African and Asian origens.
In the USA, between 7,500 and 8,000 diagnoses are made per year. Over his lifetime, a man's risk of developing the malady is roughly 1 in 250 (four tenths of one percent). Although it is found most often among males aged 15-40 years, it has three peaks: infancy, ages 25-40 years, and age 60.
Because it is curable (stage I can have a success rate of 95 percent) when detected early, experts recommend regular monthly testicular self examinations after taking a hot shower or bathing, when the scrotum is looser. Blood tests are used by your doctor to recognize and measure tumor markers that are specific to this desease.
CAUSE: Currently, there is no recognized method for preventing this disease because there is no known cause for it.
TYPE: Although testicular cancer can be derived from any cell type found in the testicles, more than 95% of testicular cancers are germ cell tumors. The main types of testicular germ cell tumors are seminomas and non-seminomas.
SYMPTOMS: Often include one or more of the following: A lump in one testes or a hardening of one of the testicles. Normally the testicle should feel smooth to the touch. Symptoms of late-stage testicular cancer may include: Dull pain in the lower back and abdomen, A sense of heaviness in the scrotum, 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 malaise. However each individual may experience symptoms differently. The National Cancer Institute suggests that a man see a doctor if any of the above symptoms lasts two weeks or longer.
RISKS: Risk factors for having testicular cancer include Klinefelter's syndrome. This is a disorder in which a man has an extra X chromosome. This type of cancer is more common among white men than men of african descent. Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian males have a risk that is higher than black males but lower than white.
There are a number of factors that increase the risk for developing the disease. A primary risk factor is cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). Surgery earlier in life reduces risk of testicular cancer among men with undescended testes.
According to an article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, surgery before 13 years of age for the treatment of undescended testes decreases the risk of cancer of the testes when compared with surgery later in life.
Other risk factors include inguinal hernia and mumps. Physical activity is associated with decreased risk and sedentary lifestyle is associated with increased risk. Also early onset of male characteristics is associated with increased risk.
Firefighters face higher risk of many cancers. According to the results of a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, firefighters have an elevated risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. Others with occupational risks include Miners, gas workers, leather workers, food and beverage processing workers, utility workers.
Other genetic syndromes are also associated with elevated risk. As mention previously white males are more likely to develop this cancer than are males of other races. Nevertheless many men with testicular cancer do not show the suggested risk factors.
TREATMENT: Treatment options are based on the results of staging. Correct diagnosis is necessary to ensure the most effective and least harmful treatment. An incorrect diagnosis is made at the initial examination in up to 25% of patients with testicular tumors and may result in delay in treatment or a sub-optimal approach (scrotal incision) for exploration.
The three basic kinds of treatment are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. As an adjuvant treatment, use of chemotherapy as an alternative to radiation therapy is increasing, because radiation therapy seems to have more significant long-term side effects, for example, internal scarring, higher risks of secondary malignancies etc.
Chemotherapy is the standard treatment for non-seminoma when the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body (that is, stage II or III). An alternative, equally effective treatment involves the use of 4 cycles of Etoposide-Cisplatin (EP).
While treatment success depends on the stage, the average survival rate after five years is around 95%, and stage I cancers cases (if monitored properly) have essentially a 100% survival rate (which is why prompt action, when testicular cancer is a possibility is extremely important). Understanding treatment options, accessing new and innovative therapies through clinical trials, as well as understanding the role of supportive care and complementary and alternative medicine are essential.
CONCLUSION: Testicular cancer is a condition that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system. The exact cause is thus far unknown. Common symptoms include: A swelling and/or lump in one or both of the testes. It is important to understand that these symptoms can occur as a result of conditions not related to the disease.
Potential risk factors include the following: Age - Most testicular cancers occur in men 15 to 40 years of age. It has one of the best cure rates of all cancers, in excess of 90% and essentially 100% if it has not metastasized (spread).
It is diagnosed with the help of tests that examine the testicles and the blood. Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on: your age, overall health, and medical history, extent of the disease, your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies as well as personal preferences.
About the Author:
Richard H. Ealom is an ezinearticles.com writer with more than 50 articles on Diseases,Causes,Cures. To find out more about Testicular Cancer visit Cancer Breakthrough USA! You have permission to use this article as long as this box is left unchanged.
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