El Testicular cancerAlthough less common than other types of cancer, it is the one that most affects young men, particularly between 25 and 35 years of age. Fortunately, it has a high cure rate if detected early. In this article, we will comprehensively address its symptoms, risk factors and the recommended measures for its early detection.
What is testicular cancer?
El testicular cancer is a condition characterized by the formation of malignant cells in the tissues of one or both testicles. These organs, which are part of the male reproductive system, are responsible for producing sperm and hormones such as testosterone.
This type of cancer develops mostly from germ cells, which give rise to sperm. There are two main types of testicular cancer: seminomas, which tend to grow more slowly, and non-seminomas, which are more aggressive and tend to spread more quickly.
Risk factors for testicular cancer
Although any man can develop testicular cancer, some factors increase the likelihood of developing it. It is important to be aware of these factors in order to be alert and take preventive action.
- Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism): One of the most significant risks is found in men who have a testicle that does not descend into the scrotum before birth. Although a surgery known as orchiopexy can correct this problem, the risk of cancer is still higher in these cases.
- Family background: Having a close relative, such as a father or brother, who has had testicular cancer increases the risk of developing this disease.
- Klinefelter syndrome: This syndrome is characterized by the presence of an additional X chromosome in men, and is associated with an increased risk of developing testicular cancer.
- Bending radius on the inner side:White men have a higher chance of developing testicular cancer compared to men of other races.
Symptoms of testicular cancer
El testicular cancer It can be difficult to detect in its early stages, as symptoms are often mild or even non-existent. However, early detection is crucial to increase the chances of a cure, so it is important to be alert for certain signs and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
- Lumps in the testiclesA painless mass or lump in one of the testicles is the most common symptom of testicular cancer.
- Changes in the size or shape of the testicle: A significant increase or decrease in the size of one of the testicles without an apparent cause is a cause for concern.
- Pain in the lower abdomen or groin: In some cases, men may also feel a dull pain in the lower abdomen or even the lower back.
- Heaviness or fluid buildup in the scrotum: The scrotum may feel heavy or suddenly swollen due to fluid buildup.
- Breast growth (gynecomastia):In some cases, men with testicular cancer may experience breast growth due to a hormonal imbalance.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is vital to see a urologist as soon as possible for appropriate tests, since, as we mentioned, early detection is key to successful treatment.
Diagnosis
Testicular cancer is diagnosed through several methods. The doctor will begin with a physical examination and, if there is suspicion, will take additional measures to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer:
- Ultrasound: This is the most common exam, where ultrasound is used to get a clear image of the testicle and check for any abnormal masses.
- Blood Tests:There are certain tumor markers, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), that may be elevated in patients with testicular cancer.
- Inguinal orchiectomy:If the suspicion of cancer is confirmed, the next step is surgical removal of the affected testicle to prevent the spread of cancer and allow an accurate diagnosis through tissue analysis.
Testicular cancer treatment
The treatment of testicular cancer It varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. Fortunately, cure rates are very high, especially when detected early.
- SurgeryThe most common treatment is removal of the affected testicle. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes are also removed.
- Radiotherapy:Radiotherapy is generally used in cases of seminomas, since this type of cancer is very sensitive to this treatment.
- ChemotherapyIn more advanced cases or when the cancer has spread, chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells in other parts of the body.
- Active surveillanceIn selected cases, especially when cancer is detected at a very early stage, your doctor may recommend close monitoring with regular exams without the need for immediate treatment.
In some cases, treatments, particularly chemotherapy or removal of both testicles, can affect a patient's fertility. It is therefore advisable to consider storing sperm in a bank before starting treatment.
What is the prognosis?
El testicular cancer prognosis It is very favorable, with cure rates close to 95% if detected early. However, if left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain, which greatly decreases the chances of survival.
Following treatment, it is important to have regular medical follow-ups to detect any possible recurrence in one or both testicles. Close monitoring will help prevent future complications and ensure a full recovery.
Acting early and being alert to any symptoms are the keys to successfully overcoming testicular cancer, a disease with one of the highest curability rates, as long as it is detected early.
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