Testis Cancer

·       Testis cancer, also known as testicular cancer, starts in the testicles. With an early diagnosis, it can often be cured. It can affect a man or boy at any age but is most likely to occur between the ages of 15 to 44. To catch testis cancer early, men are encouraged to learn about early signs. Men are also urged to learn to do testicular self-exams and talk with a health care provider if there is a suspicious lump, swelling or pain in the area. When testicular cancer is caught early, the cure rate is nearly 100%. Even with more advanced stages of testicular cancer, more than 75% of patients can be cured.

Definition

The testicles are two small egg-shaped glands held in the scrotum below the penis. This is where sperm matures. The testicles also make male hormones such as testosterone. Testicular cancer starts in the testicles or testes and with an early diagnosis, can often be cured. It can affect a man or boy at any age, but is most likely to occur between the ages of 15 to 44. To catch this cancer early, men are encouraged to learn about early signs. Men are also urged to do testicular self-exam and talk with a health care provider if there is a suspicious lump, swelling or pain in the area. Signs of a testicular tumor are: 

·       A painless lump in the testicle – the most common sign. 

·       Swelling of the testicle, with or without pain, or a feeling of weight in the scrotum. 

·       Pain or a dull ache in the testicle, scrotum or groin. 

·       Tenderness or changes in the male breast tissue. 

Testicular self-exams are the most important way to detect a tumor early. It’s recommended that a man perform a self-exam on a weekly to monthly basis. The best time to do a self-exam is right after a hot bath or shower because the scrotal skin is the most relaxed and the testicles can be felt more easily. The exam only takes a few minutes and should be performed while standing. 

·       Look for swelling in the scrotum or any changes in appearance.

·       Gently feel the scrotal sac to find a testicle. 

·       Examine the testicles one at a time. Firmly and gently roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers of both hands to feel the whole surface. 

·       Note that it is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other. It is also normal to feel a cord-like structure (the epididymis) on the top and back of each testicle. 

·       If you find a lump, swelling, pain or other change, get it checked right away. Changes are not always cancer. If it is cancer, catching it early allows for a greater chance of cure. 

When testicular cancer is caught early, the cure rate is nearly 100%. Even with more advanced stages of testicular cancer, more than 75% of patients can be cured.