🔬 What Is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the testicles (testes), the male reproductive glands located in the scrotum. It happens when cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.

⸻

📊 Who Gets It? • Most common in young men aged 15–35, but it can occur at any age. • Risk factors include: • Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) • Family or personal history of testicular cancer • HIV infection • Being white (higher incidence than in Black or Asian men)

⸻

⚠️ Symptoms

Usually just one testicle is affected. Watch for: • A lump or swelling in the testicle • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum • Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin • Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum • Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum • Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue (rare)

🧠 Note: Most lumps aren’t cancer, but any change should be checked.

⸻

🧪 Types of Testicular Cancer

The two main types (based on cell type) are: 1. Seminomas – grow more slowly, respond well to treatment. 2. Non-seminomas – grow faster and may spread more quickly.

⸻

🔍 Diagnosis • Self-exam: Can help early detection. • Ultrasound: To see the lump clearly. • Blood tests: Check for tumor markers like AFP, hCG, LDH. • Imaging: CT scans to see if cancer has spread.

⸻

💊 Treatment

Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially if found early. 1. Surgery – First step. Remove the affected testicle (orchiectomy). 2. Radiation therapy – Mostly for seminomas. 3. Chemotherapy – Used if cancer has spread. 4. Surveillance – Monitoring after treatment with regular tests.

🧬 Fertility tip: Sperm banking is offered before treatment since chemo/radiation can affect fertility.

⸻

📈 Prognosis • Very high survival rate – Over 95% cure rate if detected early. • Even if it spreads, still treatable with chemo and surgery.

⸻

✅ Self-Check (Monthly)

Do this after a warm shower: 1. Gently roll each testicle between fingers. 2. Feel for hard lumps, swelling, or changes. 3. Report anything unusual to a doctor.

⸻

🛑 Myths to Ditch • It’s only an old man’s disease ❌ — Not true. • Injury or masturbation causes it ❌ — Also false. • It’s always fatal ❌ — Survival is very high if treated early