The testicles are a part of the male reproductive system, responsible for making the male hormone testosterone and sperm. The testicles are made up of several kinds of cells, which may develop into one or more types of cancer.
As many as 14 types of cancer can originate in the testicles. Once diagnosed with testicular cancer, it is important to know which kind of cell the cancer started from because these types of cancer are treated differently and also differ in the chance of survival for the patient.
Testicular cancer develops when cells in one or both testicles multiply and grow out of control, becoming malignant. This type of cancer is most often found in young men with nine of ten cases occurring in men between the ages of 20 and 54. This type of cancer can be treated and very often cured.
Testicular cancer is very rare and most testicular lumps are not cancerous – less than 4 per cent are malignant. In the Cayman Islands, there are few reported cases.
Cancer of the testicles is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 35, but it affects males of all ages – from infants to older men.
Unfortunately, even though testicular cancer is not common, it is increasing around the world. The incidence has doubled among white men in the last 40 years and recently began to increase among African-American men as well.
Knowing your personal medical history is important when it comes to assessing your risk for testicular cancer and diagnosing the disease. Males who are born with a medical condition known as cryptorchidism, otherwise known as an undescended testicle, are at greatest risk.
Normally, the testicles descend from inside the abdomen into the scrotum of a male before birth, but sometimes the testicles do not move into the scrotum and instead stay inside the belly. The risk remains even if the problem is corrected surgically or the testicle drops down of its own accord after birth. The risk of testicular cancer applies to both testicles.
Other congenital abnormalities, meaning present at birth, of the testicles, penis or kidneys can also lead to an increased risk of testicular cancer later in life as can an inguinal hernia. A personal history of testicular cancer puts you at risk for a new case in the other testicle and a family history of testicular cancer also increases the likelihood of developing this type of cancer.
Symptoms
Very few cases of testicular cancer are actually found in families, however. There is no scientific evidence that testicular cancer can be prevented as these risk factors are all things that men have no control over.
Most testicular cancers are discovered by men, sometimes when performing a monthly testicular self-exam. The symptoms of testicular cancer described below can be caused by other conditions but a man should always speak with a doctor as soon as possible if he notices anything unusual about his testicles.
Symptoms of testicular cancer include a painless lump or swelling in a testicle, pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum, any enlargement of the testicle or change in the way it feels, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen, back or groin, a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum, pus or blood in the semen and enlargement or tenderness of the breast.
Men should do testicular self-exams beginning at puberty on a monthly basis. The best time is during or after a shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed.
In performing a testicular self exam, a man should be on the look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules and look for any change in the size, shape or consistency of the testes.
Should a doctor suspect that a man has developed testicular cancer, there are a number of tests that can be done, such as an ultrasound, but the only way to be certain is to do a biopsy. This involves the removal of the affected testicle.
It is important for men to know that they can still have normal sexual function and father a child with one testicle. In many cases, sperm is “banked” to preserve a sample, in case it is needed. It is also important for men to note that early detection is the key and, if found early, many men go on to live long and healthy lives.
Throughout November, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society has been partnering with the Lions Club of Grand Cayman and the organisers of Mo’vember to raise awareness of male cancer issues and is offering free PSA vouchers and tests to eligible men at various Mo’vember events.
For more information on male cancers, the Society or its programmes, contact the Cayman Islands Cancer Society by calling 949-7618 or email [email protected]. Camila Muniz Ferreira is project coordinator of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.
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