Men between the ages of 15 and 35 are most commonly affected by testicular cancer, where malignant cells develop in one or both. A lump in the testicle that doesn't hurt is the most typical indicator of testicular cancer, but early detection and treatment can significantly increase the chance of a complete cure. 

Just because you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer doesn’t mean you have to worry about survival because there are multiple treatment options available for patients with testicular cancer. Let us discuss the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer and the types of treatments you can choose from. 

What is Testicular Cancer? 

Testicular cancer forms in the male sex organs, or testicles, that are responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. The sperms are produced by the germ cells, and these germ cells are the primary source of almost all testicular cancers.  

Seminomas and nonseminomas are the two primary testicular cancer categories, and these two varieties of cancers are treated differently because they grow and spread in distinct ways. Compared to seminomas, nonseminomas often develop and spread more swiftly. Seminomas are also more radiation-sensitive; however, if a testicular tumor gets treated as a nonseminoma, it contains both seminoma and nonseminoma cells. 

Tips to Beat Testicular Cancer

1. Be Aware of the Testicular Cancer Symptoms 

Testicle cancer symptoms can be hard to identify, particularly in the early stages. The discomfort caused by the cancerous cells is often mild in the beginning, and many men do not see a doctor for diagnosis. Be careful about these symptoms that are common indicators of testicular cancer: 

• Painless lump in the testicles 

• Testicular swelling

• Pain in the testicles 

• Sore testicles

• Mild or severe aches in the groin area 

• Inflammation in the male breasts

2. Early Diagnosis can Increase the Chance of Quick Recovery 

See your primary care physician as soon as possible if you develop a testicular lump or anything else that could indicate testicular cancer. Your doctor could suggest seeing a urologist for further testing following this appointment. A urologist is a medical professional who focuses on treating urinary system disorders, including testicular cancer. Typically, an ultrasound and a physical examination are the initial procedures that get carried out. Blood tests are performed if they reveal an anomaly that seems to be a tumor. Early diagnosis is the most helpful step on your path to recovery.  

3. Learn about the Types of Surgery  

When it comes to cancer care, many specialists frequently collaborate to develop a patient's comprehensive treatment plan, which incorporates a variety of therapies. This multidisciplinary team includes a medical oncologist and urologist for testicular cancer. Surgery is frequently used as testicular cancer treatment, but which one is appropriate for you will depend on the stage and type of testicular cancer you have. 

Here are the basic details of each surgery option: 

• Orchiectomy

Testicular cancer in the early stages and advanced stages can both be treated with an orchiectomy. Through a little incision in the groin, the whole testicle and tumor are removed during this procedure, and the spermatic cord is also cut. Following surgery, routine surveillance is carried out to ensure that the cancer hasn’t come back. Testosterone levels should not be affected if one testicle is removed, but the other is healthy because the healthy testicle should produce enough testosterone.  

• Testis Sparing Surgery

For some men, the Testis Sparing Surgery (TSS) may be advised by the doctor. The entire testis is not removed in this procedure; only the malignant tissue is removed by the surgeon. TSS works for men who have benign tumors, but for malignant tumors, this surgery is not recommended.  

• Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

The complicated operation known as retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) might benefit some men. Patients with a more aggressive Stage I cancer may be candidates for this operation, and to achieve minimal side effects, the removal of lymph nodes at the rear of the abdomen is required.  

4. Check Out the Other Testicular Cancer Treatment Options  

• Chemotherapy

Strong medications are used in chemotherapy treatments to destroy cancer cells, and the cancerous cells that could have spread outside of the testicle can also be eliminated by it. Chemotherapy may be administered before surgery in cases with severely advanced testicular cancer. The side effects of this procedure vary depending on the particular medications used, but fatigue, hearing loss, and an increased risk of infection are the typical adverse effects.  

• Radiation Therapy

In radiation therapy, cancer cells are destroyed, or their development is slowed by exposing the cells to high-energy gamma rays or x-rays. Radiation therapy is utilized in ball cancer treatment to eliminate cancer cells that have already spread to lymph nodes. Testicular cancer (both seminoma and non-seminoma) that has progressed to other organs may occasionally be treated with radiation. External beam radiation is a type of radiation treatment where a machine emits radiation into a particular body area, and the procedure is comparable to having an X-ray but with more radiation. The medical staff will take precise measurements before the treatment to ascertain the radiation dosage and the appropriate angles for focusing the radiation beams.  

• Stem Cell Transplant

In this procedure, blood-forming stem cells are extracted from the patient's blood circulation using specialized equipment in the weeks preceding therapy, and the stem cells are then kept frozen. Extracting stem cells from bone marrow was once a common procedure, but this process is rarely used. In the next stage, the patient receives high-dose chemotherapy, and after that, the patient regains his stem cells. Although no surgery is involved, this is regarded as a transplant because the cells get injected into a vein, much like a blood transfusion. 

Final Thoughts 

Testicular cancer can be a life-threatening disease; however, if you are careful and aware of the symptoms of the disease, you can detect the problem early. Early-stage diagnosis of cancer is the most beneficial aspect of cancer treatment. Remember the tips we discussed above and avoid serious harm to your health from testicular cancer. 

When testicular cancer is diagnosed, patients typically worry about how their quality of life and sexual health getting impacted by the treatment. However, several treatment options are now available, and the chance of complete recovery is high.

If you think you are experiencing any symptoms of testicular cancer, you can visit Medanta for a diagnosis. You can also check out their blog entries for more information on this disease and its treatment. 

FAQs

1. Am I at risk for testicular cancer?

Men between the ages of 15 and 35 are most at risk, as well as those with a family history of the disease.

2. What are the early signs of testicular cancer?

Some common signs include a lump or swelling in the testicle, pain or discomfort in the scrotum, and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

3. Is testicular cancer treatable?

Yes, testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when detected early.

4. What are the treatment options for testicular cancer?

Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

5. Should I consult a doctor if I notice any changes in my testicles?

Yes, it's crucial to consult a doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your testicles, even if they seem minor.

Citations

Boccellino, M., Vanacore, D., Zappavigna, S., Cavaliere, C., Rossetti, S., D’Aniello, C., Chieffi, P., Amler, E., Buonerba, C., Di Lorenzo, G., Di Franco, R., Izzo, A., Piscitelli, R., Iovane, G., Muto, P., Botti, G., Perdonà, S., Caraglia, M., & Facchini, G. (2017). Testicular cancer from diagnosis to epigenetic factors. Oncotarget, 8(61), 104654–104663. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.20992

Testicular cancer treatment. (2023, May 17). Cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/patient/testicular-treatment-pdq