Good news, men: Testicular cancer is rare. According to the data, about 0.4% of men will get testicular cancer during their lifetime. [1] The American Cancer Society estimates that fewer than 9,000 men in the U.S. will get testicular cancer in 2017, and about 400 will die. [2] But, even though testicular cancer isn’t as common as many of the other cancers out there, it’s still the most common type of cancer for men between the ages of 15 and 34 years. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options gives you the best chances for survival if you are diagnosed.
Causes of Testicular Cancer
What causes testicular cancer isn’t entirely clear, but doctors suggest some factors have shown an increased risk of developing the disease. History of an undescended testicle increases your risk for testicular cancer as does a personal or family history of testicular cancer. [3]
Symptoms or Signs of Testicular Cancer
One of the common signs of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in either testicle. Some patients also show changes in how the testicle feels, or experience a dull ache or general pain in the groin or abdomen area. Some experience a build-up of fluid in the scrotum, or pain or discomfort. [1]
Testicular Cancer Treatment Options
Your doctor here at Horizon Family Medical Group will work with you to determine the treatment option that matches your specific situation. However, surgery is often part of the treatment plan. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend surgery—called an orchiectomy—to remove your testicle. The procedure consists of making an incision in your groin and extracting the entire testicle. Your doctor may also recommend surgery to remove lymph nodes.
Depending on the type of testicular cancer you have, additional radiation or chemotherapy may be recommended, followed by regular checkups to ensure that cancer doesn’t return.
Resources:
- https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/testis.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/testicular-cancer/causes