Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is found in the testicles, which are situated within the scrotum, a sac-like structure beneath the penis, which holds two testicles on each side.
Testicles or testes are a part of the male reproductive organs which produces male sex hormones (testosterone) and sperm.
Testicular cancer originates in either or both of the testicles. More often, they start in the sperm-producing germ cells of the organ and is relatively rarer compared to other cancer categories.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer:
Symptoms of testicular cancer include the following signs:
Types of Testicular Cancer
- Classical (or typical) seminomas
- Spermatocytic seminomas
- Embryonal carcinoma
- Yolk sac carcinoma
- Choriocarcinoma
- Teratoma
- Leydig Cell tumours
- Sertoli Cell tumours
Diagnostics Facilities
Advanced Cancer Diagnostics
Advanced Cancer Treatment
General Diagnostic Facilities
Causes of Testicular Cancer:
A few risk factors and causes that are associated with testicular cancers are:
- An undescended testicle: When a male fetus is growing in the womb, the testicles develop outside the scrotal sac and then transcend into the scrotum before birth. In a few cases, the testicles are unable to transcend, increasing the risk of testicular cancer. Although the testes are moved into the scrotal sac surgically does not eliminate the risk and this condition is also called cryptorchidism. However, a large percentage of a male who has testicular cancer do not have a history of undescended testicles.
- Abnormal testicle development: Conditions such as Klinefelter’s syndrome may cause the testicles to develop abnormally, putting the individual at a higher risk of testicular cancer.
- Family History: If an immediate family member has developed cancer, it increases the risk of cancer.
- Age: Although, testicular cancer can occur at any age, but is more commonly seen in men between the ages of 15 and 35.
When to see the Doctor?
Pain and discomfort in the scrotum, groin and surrounding areas, without any form of external injury and should be inspected immediately. If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately.
Prevention of Testicular Cancer
There is no particular way to prevent testicular cancer. However, regular screenings, if a person is at high risk, can prevent any complications.
Screening For Testicular Cancer
The screening and diagnosis of testicular cancer can include the following tests and procedures:
- Physical Examination: A complete examination of the body to check for any signs of infection, lumps, lesions, or any unusual signs in the body, especially the scrotum and testicles.
- Medical History: A complete medical history of the patients and the immediate family, their diseases, medications and treatment regimens will also be taken by our specialist.
- Serum tumour marker test: The serum tumour marker test is a blood test to measure the levels of chemicals and hormones released by organs, tissues or cancerous cells in the body. These substances are linked to tumour cells and cancers and are called tumour markers.
The following types of tumour markers can be used to detect testicular cancers:- Alpha-fetoprotein or AFP
- Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta HCG)
- Inguinal orchiectomy: Once the tumour markers are tested, a procedure called Inguinal orchiectomy is performed to remove the testicle. This procedure is a type of biopsy and is done by making a small incision in the groin area. The testicle tissue is then viewed under a microscope to check for cancer cells and their type. This procedure will help determine the future course of action for the treatment of cancer.
Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: High-energy sound waves are used to create images of the human body, organs and tissues with the help of echoes. These echoes form a sonogram, which provides a clear view of the tissues. Other imaging tests done are:
- X-Ray
- MRI
- PET Scan
Treatment for Testicular Cancer
Based on the screening and diagnosis, which confirms the type, stage and origin of cancer, a single or a combination of treatments is recommended by our specialists.
These treatments will also be based on an individual’s health condition and family medical history. The commonly used treatments are:
Surgery:
Surgery might be suggested to remove either one or both of the testicles, entirely. A few surrounding lymph nodes and healthy tissue may also be removed as a preventive measure to stop the cancer from spreading any further.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays to eliminate cancerous cells. These radiations can be internal or external. In external radiation, a machine is made to target the radiation directly at the cancerous area.
In internal radiation, a small seed or device filled with radioactive substances is placed in the cancerous area. This allows the radiation to target the cancer cells locally. This treatment is more common in treating seminomas.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs and medicines to destroy cancer cells. It is a type of systemic treatment where the cells that have travelled to other body parts can also be eliminated. Chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream and can be taken orally or intravenously.
In advanced stages of cancer, stem cell treatments are suggested along with chemotherapy to administer healthy cells in the body.
Doctors
Dr. Shreedhar G K
Dr. Saravana Rajamanickam
Dr. Karthick Rajamanickam
Dr. N. Kathiresan
