How is testicular cancer diagnosed. What happens during a urologist appointment for testicular cancer. What are the stages of testicular cancer. What tests are used to diagnose testicular cancer. How is testicular cancer treated. What is the prognosis for testicular cancer.

Understanding Testicular Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare but serious condition that primarily affects young men. It occurs when abnormal cells in the testicles grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. While the exact cause remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified.

Who is at risk for testicular cancer? Men between the ages of 15 and 35 are most commonly affected, but it can occur at any age. Other risk factors include:

• Family history of testicular cancer
• Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
• Personal history of testicular cancer in one testicle
• HIV infection
• Klinefelter syndrome

What are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer? Common indicators include:

• A painless lump or swelling in either 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 a testicle or the scrotum

Can testicular cancer be detected early? Regular self-examinations can help in early detection. Men should perform monthly testicular self-exams to check for any unusual lumps, swelling, or changes in size or texture.

The Diagnostic Process: From Initial Suspicion to Confirmation

When testicular cancer is suspected, a series of diagnostic procedures are initiated to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its extent. This process typically involves several steps and different medical professionals.

Initial Examination and Tests

What happens during the first doctor’s visit for suspected testicular cancer? The initial examination usually includes:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will carefully examine the testicles for lumps or swelling.
2. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, risk factors, and family history.
3. Blood tests: These are performed to check for tumor markers, which are proteins that can be elevated in the presence of testicular cancer.

Imaging Studies

What imaging tests are used to diagnose testicular cancer? If the initial examination raises concerns, the following imaging studies may be ordered:

• Ultrasound: This quick and painless scan provides detailed images of the testicles, helping to identify any abnormalities.
• CT scan: If cancer is confirmed, a CT scan of the abdomen and chest may be performed to check for spread of the disease.

Referral to a Urologist

Why is a urologist involved in testicular cancer diagnosis? Urologists are specialists in the male reproductive system and play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating testicular cancer. They perform the surgical procedure necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

The Role of Urologists in Testicular Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Urologists are essential in the management of testicular cancer. These specialized surgeons focus on the urinary tracts of males and females, as well as the male reproductive system. Their expertise is crucial in accurately diagnosing and treating testicular cancer.

Diagnostic Surgery: Orchiectomy

How is testicular cancer definitively diagnosed? Unlike many other cancers, a biopsy is not typically performed for suspected testicular cancer. Instead, if cancer is strongly suspected based on initial tests, the entire affected testicle is surgically removed in a procedure called an orchiectomy.

Why is the entire testicle removed? This approach is taken for several reasons:

• It prevents potential spread of cancer cells that could occur with a needle biopsy
• It allows for a comprehensive examination of the entire tumor
• It serves as both a diagnostic and initial treatment step

Is fertility affected by orchiectomy? While the removal of a testicle may sound alarming, it’s important to note that the remaining testicle can typically produce enough testosterone and sperm for normal sexual function and fertility. However, fertility preservation options may be discussed before surgery, especially if further treatment might be needed.

Post-Surgery Pathology

What happens after the testicle is removed? The removed testicle is sent to a pathology laboratory for thorough examination. Pathologists, who are specially trained doctors, will examine the tissue under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific type of testicular cancer.

Types of Testicular Cancer: Understanding the Pathology

Testicular cancers are primarily classified as germ cell tumors, which are further divided into two main types: seminomas and nonseminomas. Understanding the differences between these types is crucial for determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Seminoma Tumors

What are the characteristics of seminoma tumors?

• More common type of testicular cancer
• Typically grow slowly
• Often confined to the testicle but can spread
• Highly curable, even in advanced stages
• Generally more responsive to radiation therapy

Nonseminoma Tumors

How do nonseminoma tumors differ from seminomas?

• Tend to grow and spread more quickly
• More likely to metastasize beyond the testicle
• Often require more aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy
• Can be a mix of different cell types, including embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma

Are there other types of testicular cancer? While germ cell tumors account for about 95% of testicular cancers, there are rare types such as Leydig cell tumors and Sertoli cell tumors. These non-germ cell tumors often have a different prognosis and treatment approach.

Staging Testicular Cancer: Determining the Extent of Disease

Once testicular cancer is diagnosed, the next crucial step is determining its stage. Staging helps doctors understand how far the cancer has spread and guides treatment decisions. The staging process typically involves additional tests and imaging studies.

The TNM Staging System

How is testicular cancer staged? The most common system used for staging testicular cancer is the TNM system:

• T (Tumor): Describes the size and extent of the main tumor
• N (Nodes): Indicates whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
• M (Metastasis): Shows if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body

Stage Groupings

What are the main stages of testicular cancer?

1. Stage I: Cancer is limited to the testicle
2. Stage II: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in the abdomen
3. Stage III: Cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver

Each stage can be further subdivided based on specific criteria, including tumor marker levels and the extent of spread.

Importance of Accurate Staging

Why is staging crucial in testicular cancer? Accurate staging is essential for several reasons:

• It helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan
• It provides important prognostic information
• It allows for standardized communication among healthcare providers
• It facilitates research and comparison of treatment outcomes

Treatment Options for Testicular Cancer

The treatment of testicular cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient characteristics. Generally, testicular cancer has a high cure rate, even when diagnosed at later stages.

Surgery

What surgical procedures are used in treating testicular cancer?

• Radical Inguinal Orchiectomy: This is the initial surgery to remove the affected testicle and is both diagnostic and therapeutic.
• Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND): In some cases, especially for nonseminoma tumors, surgery to remove lymph nodes in the abdomen may be necessary.

Radiation Therapy

When is radiation therapy used in testicular cancer treatment? Radiation therapy is primarily used for seminoma-type tumors. It may be recommended:

• After surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells
• To treat lymph nodes that may contain cancer
• As a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms in advanced cases

Chemotherapy

How is chemotherapy utilized in testicular cancer treatment? Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in many testicular cancer cases, particularly for:

• Advanced-stage cancers
• Nonseminoma tumors
• Cases with high risk of recurrence
• Recurrent cancer after initial treatment

Chemotherapy for testicular cancer typically involves a combination of drugs, with cisplatin-based regimens being the most common.

Surveillance

What is active surveillance in testicular cancer management? For some early-stage cancers, especially seminomas, active surveillance may be recommended after orchiectomy. This involves:

• Regular check-ups and physical exams
• Frequent blood tests to monitor tumor markers
• Periodic imaging studies

The goal of surveillance is to detect any recurrence early while avoiding unnecessary treatment in patients who are likely cured by surgery alone.

Living with Testicular Cancer: Follow-up Care and Long-term Considerations

After completing treatment for testicular cancer, ongoing follow-up care is crucial. This phase of cancer care focuses on monitoring for recurrence, managing any long-term side effects of treatment, and supporting overall health and well-being.

Follow-up Schedule

What does follow-up care involve for testicular cancer survivors? A typical follow-up schedule may include:

• Regular physical examinations
• Blood tests to check tumor markers
• Imaging studies (CT scans, chest X-rays) at prescribed intervals
• Monitoring for late effects of treatment

The frequency of these follow-ups typically decreases over time if there’s no evidence of recurrence.

Long-term Side Effects

What are potential long-term effects of testicular cancer treatment? Some survivors may experience:

• Infertility: Chemotherapy and radiation can affect sperm production
• Cardiovascular issues: Some treatments may increase the risk of heart disease
• Secondary cancers: There’s a slight increased risk of developing other cancers
• Psychological impacts: Anxiety, depression, or body image concerns

Fertility Considerations

How can fertility be preserved in testicular cancer patients? Options may include:

• Sperm banking before treatment
• Testicular sperm extraction in some cases
• Discussions about fertility preservation should occur early in the treatment process

Psychological Support

What psychological support is available for testicular cancer survivors? Many cancer centers offer:

• Individual counseling
• Support groups specifically for testicular cancer survivors
• Resources for dealing with body image and sexuality concerns

Addressing the emotional aspects of cancer survivorship is an important part of comprehensive care.

Advances in Testicular Cancer Research and Treatment

The field of testicular cancer research continues to evolve, with ongoing studies aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for patients. Some areas of current research include:

Molecular Profiling

How is molecular profiling advancing testicular cancer treatment? Researchers are investigating:

• Genetic markers that may predict treatment response or risk of recurrence
• Personalized treatment approaches based on tumor genetics
• New targets for drug development

Immunotherapy

What role might immunotherapy play in testicular cancer? While not currently a standard treatment, studies are exploring:

• Checkpoint inhibitors in refractory or relapsed cases
• Combination approaches with traditional chemotherapy
• Vaccine-based therapies to stimulate immune response against cancer cells

Minimizing Treatment Toxicity

How are researchers working to reduce treatment side effects? Current efforts focus on:

• Tailoring treatment intensity based on risk stratification
• Developing less toxic chemotherapy regimens
• Improving surgical techniques to preserve fertility and reduce complications

Survivorship Studies

What aspects of survivorship are being studied? Research is ongoing in areas such as:

• Long-term effects of treatment on cardiovascular health
• Strategies to preserve and restore fertility
• Psychological interventions to improve quality of life for survivors

These advancements in research hold promise for further improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by testicular cancer. As our understanding of this disease continues to grow, treatment approaches are likely to become even more targeted and effective.

How We Diagnose Testicular Cancer – Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

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How We Diagnose Testicular Cancer

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  Testing for testicular cancer

  What to expect during your appointment: exam, blood test, and ultrasound

  • First, the doctor will examine your testicles for lumps or swelling.
  • A blood test will be performed to test for certain proteins in your blood. These proteins are called tumor markers and can be used to diagnose testicular cancer.
  • If the doctor thinks that you may have testicular cancer, the next step is to have an ultrasound, a quick and painless scan that looks at the inside of your testicles. Normal testicles are smooth and even. Shadows on the ultrasound
    usually indicate that a cancer is present. The ultrasound also measures blood flow to the testicles, since blood flow is usually increased in the area of a cancer. The experienced ultrasound specialists at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center
    understand some men may have anxiety about having an ultrasound; they will explain the process and help to ease any anxiety.

  Urology

  If your blood test is positive for testicular cancer tumor markers, or if your ultrasound reveals a cancerous-appearing lump in your testicle, you will be referred to a specialist called a urologist. Urologists are surgeons who focus on the urinary tracts
  of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males, including problems with the testicles. For patients with testicular cancer, a urologist will perform the surgery to remove your tumor.

  Diagnostic surgery

  Unlike other cancers for which a biopsy (the removal of a sample of cells for examination) is performed, when testicular cancer is suspected the entire testicle is removed in a procedure called an orchiectomy through an incision in the groin and pulling
  the testicle up from the scrotum. A biopsy through the scrotum for testicular cancer runs the risk of spreading the cancer, and can complicate future treatment options. Removing the entire testicle out of the scrotum is the only safe way to diagnose
  for testicular cancer. Only the cancer-containing testicle is removed, and it is important to do so promptly. Our urology team will make this a priority for you. If there is any uncertainty, the urologists can examine the testicle by pulling the testicle
  out of the scrotum; if a condition other than testis cancer is found, the testicle is placed back into the scrotum.

  This may sound frightening, but recovery is quick. And do not worry — the remaining testicle can do the work of two. Please understand that removal of the testicle will not make you sterile (unable to have children) and does not take away your ability
  to enjoy sexual activity or have an erection.

  Pathology

  The removed testicle will be sent to our pathology laboratory for a thorough examination under a microscope. A pathologist is a specially trained doctor who identifies cancerous cells and tumors. Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center pathologists are well-known
  for their expert evaluation of testicular cancer. They will diagnose and classify your cancer quickly and competently.

  Most testicular cancers are classified as germ cell tumors. This is not an infection. Instead, the term germ cell reflects the fact that testicles make sperm. Germ cell tumors are divided into two types: seminoma and nonseminoma.

  • Seminoma tumors are the more common kind of testicular cancer. They are usually limited to the testicle but occasionally spread to other parts of the body. Seminomas tend to grow very slowly and are very curable.
  • Nonseminoma tumors can grow more quickly and can be more likely to spread beyond the testicle to other parts of the body. While these tumors are curable, men with nonseminoma tumors are more likely to require chemotherapy at some point in their treatment.

  Another test to expect if you are diagnosed with testicular cancer

  In order to decide what treatment is best for you, it is important to know whether or not your testicular cancer has spread beyond the testicle. Another kind of scan can be used to look for cancer in other parts of the body:

  • A CT scan (also known as a CAT scan) is a painless procedure that takes a series of detailed x-ray pictures inside the body from different angles. The CT scan is quick and painless and will look at your abdomen and chest. The results
    are usually ready in just a few hours.

  Our experienced radiologists will review your scans to help determine the stage of your cancer.

  The stages of testicular cancer

  Testicular cancer is divided — or staged — into groups based on how far the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Here are the basic stages for testicular cancer:

  • Stage 1 means that the X-rays/CT scans do not show any evidence of cancer beyond the testicle. This stage is cured more than 99% of the time.
  • Stage 2 means that the CT scan has identified cancer that has spread beyond the testicle to the lymph nodes in the abdomen. These lymph nodes are usually located in the area near large blood vessels. Stage 2 testicular cancer is also
    very curable.
  • Stage 3 means that the cancer has spread beyond the testicle and abdominal lymph nodes to additional areas in the body.
    • 
      Stage 3 can mean that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in front of the heart or to the lungs. Stage 3 testicular cancer is also very curable, but may require more treatment than Stage 2.
    • Stage 3 can also mean that the cancer has spread to areas beyond the lungs and lymph nodes. Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with Stage 3 testicular cancer in 1996. His cancer had spread to his lungs, stomach and brain. He has been cancer-free
      since 1997. With proper treatment, even more advanced Stage 3 testicular cancer can be cured.

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Scrotal Pain I Ohio State Urology Department

An Ohio State urologist can determine the cause of your scrotal pain.

Schedule with MyChart Appointments: 614-293-8155

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• Scrotal Pain

Because the testicles are very sensitive, even a minor injury can cause pain. Common causes of testicle pain include:

• Injury
• Infection or swelling of the sperm ducts (called epididymitis) or testicles (called orchitis)
• Twisting of the testicles that can cut off the blood supply (called testicular torsion). It is most common in young men between 10 and 20 years old. It is a medical emergency that needs to be treated as soon as possible. If surgery is performed within 6 hours, most testicles can be saved.

Mild pain may be caused by fluid collection in the scrotum, such as:

• Enlarged veins in the scrotum (varicocele)
• Cyst in the epididymis that often contains dead sperm cells (spermatocele)
• Fluid surrounding the testicle (hydrocele)
• Pain in the testicles may also be caused by a hernia or kidney stone

Testicular cancer is almost always painless. However, any testicle lump should be checked out by your health care provider, whether or not there is pain.

Symptoms

Pain and/or swelling of the testicles. Abdominal pain may occur before testicle pain in some conditions.

Contact a physician if you:

• Experience sudden, severe testicular pain
• Feel a lump in the scrotum
• Have a fever with scrotal pain
• Have a scrotum that is warm, tender to the touch or red
• Have been in close contact with someone who has the mumps

Diagnosis

To diagnose this disorder, your Ohio State urologist will ask you questions about your medical and sexual history and conduct a physical examination. Based upon your individual condition, additional tests may be considered. These may include ultrasound or urinalysis.

Treatment

After a diagnosis has been made, you and your Ohio State urologist can determine a personalized treatment plan.

Prevent Scrotal Pain:

• Wear an athletic supporter during contact sports.
• Follow safe sex practices.
• Make sure that children have received the MMR (mumps, measles, and rubella) vaccine.

Self-care of non-urgent testicle pain resulting from minor injuries or fluid collection can help reduce discomfort and swelling:

• Provide support to the scrotum by wearing an athletic supporter.
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the scrotum.
• Take warm baths if there are signs of swelling.
• While lying down, place a rolled towel under the scrotum.
• Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do NOT give aspirin to children.

symptoms and causes, classification, diagnosis and treatment, prognosis

Article content:

• Causes of testicular cancer
• Symptoms of disease
• Classification of testicular cancer by stages
• Diagnostics
• Methods of treatment of testicular cancer
• Forecast
• Prophylaxis

Testicular cancer , or testicular cancer, is the general name for malignant tumors that affect the gonads of men.

This is a rather rare type of cancer, its share is about 1.5-2% of all malignant neoplasms in men and about 5% of all oncourological diseases. In recent decades, an increase in the incidence has been observed. Pathology is more often detected in white men of tall stature and thin build, especially Europeans – residents of Germany, Scandinavia, and is practically not diagnosed in people of the Negroid race, rarely found in Asians. The disease affects men aged 15 to 40 years, but there are testicular tumors that occur in boys under 10 years of age and in men over 60 years of age.

Basically, the tumor is unilateral, bilateral lesions are detected in 1-2% of cases. Cancer is quite aggressive, especially when detected in the late stages, but thanks to timely diagnosis, including the determination of tumor markers, and the introduction of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, mortality from it has been steadily declining since the 1970s.

Causes of testicular cancer

The leading cause of gonadal tumors in men has not been determined.

A significant risk factor for the development of a malignant neoplasm is cryptorchidism – undescended testicles into the scrotum. With one undescended testicle, the risk of cancer increases 5 times, with bilateral cryptorchidism – 10 times. At the same time, the risk of developing tumors exists both when the testicle is left in the abdominal cavity, and when it is brought down into the scrotum.

Sometimes testicular cancer develops from a teratoma – a tumor that is formed during the development of the fetus under the influence of maternal hormones – estrogen. Risk factors are considered severe toxicosis of pregnant women and the use of drugs containing estrogens.

Other reasons can also lead to the development of testicular cancer:

• glandular atrophy, which occurs with cryptorchidism, mumps, testicular trauma;
• endocrine diseases – gynecomastia, hypogonadism;
• genetic pathologies – Klinefelter’s syndrome;
• HIV;
• radiation exposure, exposure to chemicals.

Causes that do not directly affect the development of pathology, but increase the risk of its occurrence, include hereditary predisposition, bad habits, low physical activity, constant overheating of the testicles.

Symptoms of the disease

In the early stages, testicular cancer does not have severe symptoms. The patient may be alerted by heaviness in the scrotum, a change in the size and density of one or both testicles, and asymmetry of the scrotum. If these signs appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor for differential diagnosis, diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment. Treatment started in the early period of the disease greatly increases the chances of recovery and increases the prognosis of survival.

Some testicular tumors produce female sex hormones, so a man may notice changes in appearance – breast enlargement, female-type fat deposition (on the thighs), as well as impaired potency. Sometimes, more often when a tumor appears in childhood, there is a premature increase in the size of the penis and the appearance of pubic hair, the duration and frequency of erections increase.

As the tumor grows and spreads to nearby lymph nodes, they increase, compression of the ureters and urination disorders, swelling of the legs, pain in the lower back and lower abdomen may occur. With the further development of the disease and the appearance of distant metastases, patients are concerned about symptoms associated with disruption of the functioning of those organs in which the tumor has metastasized, intoxication and exhaustion develop.

Classification of testicular cancer by stages

There are four stages of a malignant testicular tumor:

• The first – the neoplasm is localized within the testicle, is not visually determined, is felt on palpation. Lymph nodes are not involved in the process.
• Second – the tumor increases to 2-5 cm, it is determined during examination and palpation of the testicle, its shape and size change. The nearest lymph nodes, lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity are involved in the process.
• Third – in addition to the symptoms of the first and second stages, the process affects the epididymis, distant lymph nodes (cervical, mediastinal) are affected. Lung metastases may be found.
• Fourth – the tumor spreads beyond the testicles, metastases are found in various organs, more often in the lungs, liver, brain.

In the international classification, staging is carried out according to the TMN principle.

Diagnosis of the disease

During the initial visit, a doctor (usually a urologist who, if necessary, refers the patient to an oncologist, surgeon) will interview the patient, general examination, palpation of the testicles, nearby lymph nodes, diaphonoscopy – transillumination of scrotal tissues in a dark room with a narrowly focused light source. With the help of diaphanoscopy, differential diagnosis is carried out with cystic formations, hydrocele and spermatocele. In addition to general blood and urine tests, the patient is assigned blood test for tumor markers . ultrasound of the scrotum is performed to visualize the neoplasm, determine its location, size, internal structure.

To detect metastasis to lymph nodes and organs, ultrasound, computed or magnetic resonance imaging, PET-CT, skeletal bone scintigraphy are indicated.

If a malignant tumor is still suspected, the testicle is removed completely and sent for cytological and histological examination . A biopsy of part of the testicle is not practiced, as it can contribute to the spread of cancer cells.

Treatment of testicular cancer

Treatment of testicular malignancies is complex. These are orchiofuniculectomy and i (removal of the affected testicle along with the spermatic cord) and radiation or chemotherapy after surgery. Together with the testicle, if necessary, the retroperitoneal lymph nodes are removed. The choice between radiation or chemotherapy depends on the type of tumor, in some cases, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed for patients. Sometimes chemotherapy is given before surgery. At stage IV of the disease, as a rule, only palliative therapy is prescribed, which alleviates the patient’s condition.

Not currently performed at the clinic.

If both testicles are removed, or as a consequence of radiation or chemotherapy, the patient may experience infertility. Therefore, patients who wish to have children in the future can resort to sperm cryopreservation before surgery.

A prosthesis can be placed in place of the removed testicle. It has only a cosmetic effect and does not perform the function of the removed gland.

After treatment, patients must be under the supervision of a doctor for several years and undergo a series of examinations. These are: control tests for tumor markers, tomography or chest x-ray, ultrasound or CT of the retroperitoneal space.

Prognosis

Testicular cancer responds well to treatment even in the presence of metastases. The survival rate is quite high, the chances of a complete recovery depend on how early the disease is diagnosed and therapy is started. The prognosis is one of the most favorable among all oncological pathologies.

Expansion of the tumor is important for prognosis. Conventionally, all malignant neoplasms of the testicle are divided into three groups:

• localized – do not go beyond the testicle;
• regional – metastases to neighboring organs and nearby lymph nodes;
• common – metastases in distant lymph nodes and organs.

For localized tumors, the five-year survival rate, provided that full treatment is received, is up to 96-99%. With regional – 85-95%, with common – 57-73%.

The prognosis of recovery and survival also depends on the type of tumor, the level of tumor markers in the blood after its removal. In general, the earlier treatment is started, the better the prognosis.

Prevention of testicular cancer

Ways to prevent malignant tumors of the gonads, as well as other oncopathologies, are general: a healthy lifestyle, exclusion or minimization of the influence of harmful factors – chemicals, radiation, injuries.

Treatment of cryptorchidism is necessary, but there is no consensus that it helps to reduce the risk of a tumor.

Periodic self-exams can help detect early signs of testicular cancer. The procedure is very simple – while taking a shower, a man needs to examine the scrotum, assess its size, the condition of the skin. Holding the testicle with four fingers, you need to feel it with your thumb. Normally, the testicle is painless, without formations and seals. If you notice any suspicious symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Testicular cancer is characterized by rapid growth and metastasis, but with timely treatment, the patient has a good chance of a complete remission. You can learn more about testicular cancer treatment methods and undergo an examination at an appointment at the SM-Clinic Cancer Center.

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The information in this article is provided for reference purposes and does not replace the advice of a qualified professional. Do not self-medicate! At the first sign of the disease, you should consult a doctor.

Symptoms and signs of testicular cancer

A malignant tumor of the testicle is an oncopathology in which the neoplasm develops from the epithelial cells of the male gonads. Pathology does not exceed 5% of the total number of oncological urological diagnoses and accounts for no more than 1.5% of oncological ailments of the strong half of humanity.

Testicular cancer is an aggressive pathology, prone to rapid development and early metastasis. Sustained remission is possible if the disease is detected early and complex treatment is carried out, selected on an individual basis.

Testicular cancer is one of those types of oncopathologies that modern medicine successfully copes with. early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of a full recovery of the patient.

The disease may not manifest itself in the initial stages. As the formation grows, the patient may not only begin to experience discomfort and the first unpleasant symptoms, but also independently determine the increase by palpation. As a rule, the tumor looks like a painless seal, localized in the structure of the gonads.

Lack of adequate treatment can lead to a change in the structure and density of the testicles. A growing neoplasm leads to asymmetry of the scrotum. Large tumors compress the nerve endings, which provokes pain in the suprapubic region and in the perineum. The patient may find accumulation of fluid in the scrotum or the appearance of a painful infiltrate.

Late stages of the disease are accompanied by pain that occurs during urination and defecation. The man experiences constant discomfort in the groin area. Also, the pathology is aggravated by symptoms from other systems and organs (depending on the location of spread metastases).

Symptoms of testicular cancer:

1. swelling of the tissues of the scrotum;

2. painless change in the size of the body;

3. feeling of heaviness and pulling pains in the lower abdomen;

4. change in size and the appearance of pain in the mammary glands;

5. decreased sexual interest;

6. accumulation of fluid in the scrotum.

The danger of any oncological disease is the absence of symptoms in the initial stages. The only sure way to prevent the development of pathology is to regularly undergo scheduled examinations and examinations according to age.

Methods of diagnosis and treatment

The urologist-oncologist is interested in the presence of complaints in the patient, monitors the dynamics of their development. Produces a visual examination of the external genital organs, palpates the scrotum and regional lymph nodes.

Based on the information received, an individual plan of diagnostic measures is selected, which may include:

1. Laboratory diagnostics: KLA, OAM, tumor markers.

2. Ultrasound examination of the scrotum and peritoneum.

3. Computed tomography.

4. PET/CT (to detect metastases).

5. Biopsy followed by histological examination.

If necessary, to obtain a more accurate diagnosis, the list of diagnostic measures can be expanded.

Used to treat testicular cancer:

1. Chemotherapy. It is more often performed after the surgical stage of treatment.

2. Radiotherapy. It can be administered before and after the operation.

3. Surgery. As a rule, it consists in a radical inguinal orchiectomy. Testicle through a small incision in the groin area (removed with the spermatic cord).