TESTICULAR CANCER

General Information

DEFINITION--Uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the testicle. It is rare, but is the most common form of cancer in young men. There are several types of testicular cancer, some more dangerous than others.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Testicles (usually one only).

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Older adolescent and young adult males (ages 20-40).

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• A firm swelling in one testicle discovered by accident or by self-examination.
• No pain (usually).
• Sense of fullness in the scrotum.

CAUSES--Unknown.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Undescended testicle(s) in infancy even if the testicle was surgically moved into the scrotum.
• Caucasian race.

HOW TO PREVENT--Males should examine testicles routinely at least once a month (see Testicular Self Examination in Appendix). This will not prevent the cancer, but may detect a tumor early enough to provide assurance of cure.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms. Testicular self-examination (see Appendix) is the most important diagnostic measure.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Diagnostic tests may include ultrasound, CT scan (See Glossary for both) of scrotum and abdomen, chest x-ray, radioimmune assay (a special laboratory blood study) and pedal lymphangiography (x-ray of the lymph glands). Tests are to verify the diagnosis and to determine if cancer has spread.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove the cancerous testicle is the main form of treatment (see Testicle Removal in Surgery section).
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy following surgery for some types of tumors.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Without treatment, some tumors may spread to other parts of the body.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Most types of testicular tumors are curable with surgery and other treatment. A few types are extremely malignant and have a high death rate unless discovered and treated early. Removal of one testicle does not interfere with normal sexual function or the ability to have children.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about this disorder, the better you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe anticancer drugs for some types of tumors.

ACTIVITY--

• Resume your normal activities as soon as possible. Radiation and chemotherapy may cause temporary fatigue requiring extra rest.
• Resume sexual relations when you are able. Contraception may be necessary for 12 to 18 months because some forms of treatment cause temporary genetic damage to sperm in the remaining testicle.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have a firm swelling or mass in the scrotum.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.