El testicular cancer Testicular cancer is the most common tumor in men between 15 and 35 years of age. It is also frequently seen in men over 60. Risk factors for developing these tumors include congenital cryptorchidism (undescended testicle), even if surgically treated, a history of cancer in the other testicle, and a family history of testicular cancer. Of all types of cancer, testicular cancer has the best prognosis and the best response to treatment.
What are your symptoms?
It usually appears as a painless lump in a testicle, but it can also be detected as a result of testicular pain, a feeling of heaviness or dull pain in the lower abdomen, back or groin, or by a sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum.
The doctor may suspect the presence of a tumor based on testicular palpation, but will rely on the determination of Tumor markers in blood (alpha-fetoprotein, beta-HCG and LDH) and in the ultrasound examination of the testicle.
If there is suspicion, the urologist may recommend sperm freezing if there is a desire to have children and removal of the testicle through an incision in the groin y histological study under the microscope to determine the presence of cancer cells.
What is your treatment?
The prognosis and treatment selection will depend on the stage of the testicular cancer (whether it is confined to the testicle or has spread to other areas), the type of tumor, and the patient's overall health. Treatment generally consists of... surgery (radical orchiectomy, with or without laparoscopic lymphadenectomy), with or without chemotherapy o radiotherapy associated, depending on the anatomopathological diagnosis (not all testicular tumors are the same and each type requires a specific treatment).
It is possible to resort to testicular prostheses to correct the aesthetic defect after the removal of the testicle.
It is very important that men have a testicular self-examination Once a month to detect any abnormalities early. Each testicle should be examined with both hands. Place your index and middle fingers under the testicle and your thumbs on top, gently rolling the testicle between your thumbs and index fingers, checking if it is smooth and firm to the touch. At the back of the testicle, you may feel the presence of an irregular, soft lump. epididymis.
