Cancer is the number one killer disease of mankind. There are up to 200 types of cancer and symptoms differs from one another. Testicular cancer is a rare cancer that affect men. Testicular cancer is known as cancer of the testicles and is one of the less common cancers. Testicular cancer typically develops in one or both testicles. Males between the ages of 15 and 44 are mostly affected. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men. Compared to other cancer types, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer. Because testicular cancer can be treated successfully, a man’s lifetime risk of dying from this cancer is very low. What this mean is that the chance for successful treatment of testicular cancer is highest if detected early by regular self examination of the testicles. Deaths from testicular cancer are low. If supposedly that you do have testicular cancer, the earlier treatment begins, the greater the chances you will be completely cured.
The type of cells the cancer first begins with determine the classification. The most common type of testicular cancer is known as germ cell testicular cancer. Germ cells are a type of cell that the body uses to help create sperm. Germ cell testicular cancer has two main subtypes, which are seminomas and non-seminomas. The good thing is that both are likely to respond well to chemotherapy. Other types of testicular cancer which are uncommon are Leydig cell tumours and Sertoli cell tumours.
The exact cause(s) of testicular cancer is unknown, but some risk factors are responsible to increase the chance of developing this cancer. Such risk factors include undescended testicle(s), congenital abnormalities (for example, kidney, penile abnormalities), and history of testicular cancer (for example, family history or personal history of testicular cancer in one testicle).
Most testicular lumps or swellings are not a sign of cancer. But they should never be ignored.
Testicular cancer can be treated depending on the type and stage of the cancer and other factors. Treatment options for testicular cancer can include surgery (removal of the affected testicles), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. There may be side effects which may include infertility and may affect sexual function. Other side effects may occur as a result of radiation and chemotherapy.
Thanks for a useful summary of types, symptoms, causes and treatments of testicular cancer. You get the main points across in a very concise and direct way.
Nice post! I've learnt plenty.