Hidden Link Between Prostate Cancer And Testicular Cancer Dr David Samadi
World-renowned robotic prostate surgeon,;Dr. David Samadi, encourages men to get annual prostate cancer screenings and stay proactive about their health. Major health risks for all men include both prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Both cancers have high cure rates and can be effectively treated if they are caught early. This highlights the importance of screening for these male cancers and early detection.
Screening may be even more significant now as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, is confirming a link between prostate cancer and testicular cancer. According to a new study at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, men who have had testicular cancer may have an increased risk for prostate cancer. While there have been previous studies that have shown an increased risk of prostate cancer in men who have previously had testicular cancer, this is the first one to observe the risk of getting intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer.
Men who previously had;testicular cancer;were 5.8 percent more likely to get intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer, compared to 1.1 percent of men who did not have testicular cancer. Overall, men with a history of testicular cancer had a 4.7 times higher risk for prostate cancer and a 5.2 times higher risk for intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer.
Risk Factors For Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer isnt linked to any habits, activities, or lifestyles. However, there are two important risk factors that can increase your chance of getting the disease.
- An undescended testicleTesticles drop down from the abdomen to the scrotum before youre born. If you were born with an undescended testicle, you have a greater risk of testicular cancer, even if youve had surgery to the fix the issue.
- A previous testicular cancer diagnosisIf youve been diagnosed with cancer in one of your testicles, youre more likely to get cancer in the other one.
With recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this cancer, most men especially those with early-stage tumors can expect to survive the disease. Doctors at Memorial Sloan Ketterings Sidney Kimmel Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers are among the nations most experienced in treating testicular cancer, caring for nearly 300 newly diagnosed with this illness each year
We use sophisticated imaging and laboratory tests to confirm your diagnosis and identify the characteristics of your tumor. Our specialists work as a team to plan the most appropriate treatment for you typically surgery for early-stage tumors, with the addition of chemotherapy reserved for more advanced tumors.
Forms Of Testicular Cancer
There are multiple forms of testicular cancer, as the testicles are made up of many different kinds of cells.
- Germ Cell TumorsMost testicle cancers begin as germ cells. The germ cells are the cells responsible for making sperm.; There are two sub-types of germ cell tumors: seminomas and non-seminomas. ;Testicular cancer can involve one or more of both kinds of these germ cell tumors.
- SeminomasSeminomas grow slower than non-seminomas. These tumors may increase the production of a protein called human chorionic gonadotrophin.; There are also sub-types of seminomas.
- Non-seminomasNon-seminomas spread more quickly than seminomas. There are four sub-types of non-seminomas: embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma.
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Breast Growth Or Soreness
In rare cases, germ cell tumors can make breasts grow or become sore. This happens because certain types of germ cell tumors secrete high levels of a hormone called human chorionicgonadotropin , which stimulates breast development.
Some Leydig cell tumors can make estrogens , which can cause breast growth or loss of sexual desire.
A Primer On Prostate Cancer
Even though prostate cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers in America, on average men have only a three percent risk of actually dying from the disease. Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland, the gland that produces the fluid that makes up semen.;Tumors are often slow-growing and highly treatable. However, patients sometimes experience no symptoms until the cancer has spread. Thus, early detection by your doctor is important. Treatments for prostate cancer include: chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.
Its important for you to get your prostate checked. The American Urological Association recommends you discuss the benefits and limitations of these tests with your doctor:
A digital rectal exam ;once a year after age 40, or earlier if you are having symptoms. Although some men consider this test embarrassing, it is a quick, simple procedure that could save your life.A PSA ;blood test once a year for men over 50 or earlier for men in high risk groups, such as African-Americans or those with a family history of prostate problems.
If you have a positive DRE or PSA, your doctor may order a biopsy to determine if cancer is involved.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Testicular Cancer
Many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than testicular cancer. A number of non-cancerous conditions, such as testicle injury or inflammation, can cause symptoms a lot like those of testicular cancer. Inflammation of the testicle and inflammation of the epididymis can cause swelling and pain of the testicle. Both of these also can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.
Some men with testicular cancer have no symptoms at all, and their cancer is found during medical testing for other conditions. For instance, sometimes imaging tests done to find the cause of infertility can uncover a small testicular cancer.
But if you have any of these signs or symptoms, see your doctor right away.
Bladder Cancer: What You Need To Know
Bladder Cancer is most common in men over the age of 60. There are two broad categories of bladder cancer based on what symptoms you may be experiencing, including:
- Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Approximately 70 percent of patients have non-muscle invasive cancer
- Muscle-Invasive And Advanced Bladder Cancer Between 20 percent and 25 percent of bladder cancer cases are muscle-invasive
Treatment Options for Bladder Cancer
We know processing this information and planning treatment can be difficult. Our doctors are here to help make you to feel at ease throughout the treatment process. Here are some things you can expect with the different treatment options. If the cancer has spread into the bladder wall or outside the bladder, treatment may include:
- Cystectomy With Urinary Diversion In men, the bladder and prostate are identified, dissected and removed. Surrounding lymph nodes are removed to assess the extent or spread of the cancer.
- Chemotherapy A systemic treatment in which drugs are given throughout the entire body. Its designed to kill cancer cells. Typically, it is administered intravenously .
- Radiation Therapy with Chemotherapy Radiation uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. The addition of systemic chemotherapy makes cancer cells more vulnerable to the killing effects of radiation. Radiation therapy is also used to relieve symptoms of advanced bladder.
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Can Stage 4 Testicular Cancer Be Cured
Testicular cancer usually can be cured if it is detected and treated early. However, this cancer can spread silently and quickly. This means that some men will not be diagnosed until the disease is in an advanced stage. At one time, testicular cancer could not be cured if it had spread beyond the testicles.
Signs Of Prostate Cancer Your Doctor Can Assess
Your doctor can tell a lot about your prostate by the way that it feels.
The back wall of your prostate is very close to your rectum. If your doctor inserts a finger into your rectum, he can feel the back and sides of your prostate through the thin, soft wall of the rectum. This examination of the prostate is called a digital rectal examination .
The DRE is used to detect possible signs of prostate illness:
- A DRE that finds a smooth, soft prostate but that causes intense pain is commonly a sign of prostate infection, also known as prostatitis.
- A DRE that finds a smooth, rubbery, and enlarged prostate is commonly a sign of prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia.
- A DRE that finds hard nodules, generalized firmness, or an unusual shape to the prostate is commonly a sign of prostate cancer.
DRE can be used to raise suspicion of prostate cancer. DRE can not be used to rule out prostate cancer.
Many prostate cancers produce no physical signs that can be felt by DRE. In other words, a normal DRE is not a sign that there is no prostate cancer.
It is also well known that if different doctors carry out a DRE on the same patient , they may come to different decisions about what they think they feel.
Figure 1: How the DRE is carried out.;; ;
Content on this page last reviewed and updated April 5, 2008.
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Link Between Testicular And Prostate Cancer
Recently, studies have shown that there may be a link between the two cancers. Men who have had testicular cancer may have a higher risk to develop prostate cancer later in life.
Although both cancers are highly treatable, detection remains the key to survival.
Call Northwest Medical Specialties at 428-8700 to schedule an appointment for annual screening tests.
Articles On Testicular Cancer Types
Testicular cancer begins in your testes, the male reproductive organ. Which treatment your doctor will choose to treat it is based on the type of cancer you have and if it has spread.
The majority of testicular cancers start in germ cells. Germ cells in your testicles make sperm. When these cells begin to grow out of control, they form two main types of tumors: seminomas and non-seminomas.
They grow and spread at different rates.
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Can Dogs Get Testicular Cancer
Even though the topic at hand is;testicular tumor in dogs, there are people out there who still question the possibility of dogs getting this type of testicular tumor disease. In fact, not only can intact male dogs get testicular tumor /cancer, but it is rather common as well.;
Testicular disease in dogs is more common for older canines than younger ones. It is well known that all dogs can contract testicular tumors, though the underlying reason for the high rate is unknown.;
Can Dogs Get Testicular Cancer? It’s unclear. Despite the prevalence of cancerous tumors in the testicles of male dogs, not much research has been done on canine Testicular Cancer because it’s so rare in dogs compared to humans and other animals like horses. The disease is rare in dogs, but it does happen from time to time. If you see any of the signs for testicular cancer – a lump or swelling on your pets groin area; frequent licking at this region with no other symptoms present; and changes in his behavior like lethargy, weight loss, appetite decrease- give your vet a call as soon as possible because these are all indicators that he may be suffering from something serious!
How Common Is Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer, accounting for just 1% of all cancers that occur in men.
Around 2,300 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year;in the UK.
Testicular cancer is unusual compared with other cancers because it tends to affect younger men.
Although it’s relatively uncommon overall, testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect men between the ages of 15 and 49.
For reasons that are unclear,;white men have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than men from other ethnic groups.
The number of cases of testicular cancer diagnosed each year in the UK has roughly doubled since the mid-1970s. Again, the reasons for this are unclear.
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Military Burn Pit Exposure
Military burn pits;are large areas of land in which the military and its contractors incinerated all waste generated by military bases, including plastics, medical waste, rubber, human waste, and more.
The U.S. Military used burn pits as part of their waste disposal protocol in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in the post-9/11 era during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. ;While the practice was effective in reducing large quantities of waste, burn pits emitted plumes of toxic smoke. ;This was especially problematic in places such as the Middle East, as the desert wind carried the smoke for miles.
Many U.S. Military veterans have suffered;health consequences from burn pit exposure. ;Most of the negative effects involve temporary ailments of the respiratory system, though limited evidence suggests a link between burn pit exposure and the long-term deterioration of lung health.
These burn pits were used extensively throughout the Middle East and have affected veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
VA does not have a consistent approach to deciding these claims, so lay evidence from veterans is key to winning burn pit claims. ;Often, VA does not have a way of proving veterans were near burn pits, so statements from the veteran themselves or buddy statements can help verify exposure.
New Proposed Burn Pit Legislation in 2021
Denied Va Disability Benefits For Testicular Cancer
VA disability claims for testicular cancer may be denied by VA because there is no presumption of exposure or presumptive service connection.; However, if your claim for testicular cancer was denied, it does not mean it is the end of the road.; Our experienced VA disability attorneys may be able to help you secure VA disability benefits for your testicular cancer.; Contact our office today for a free consultation.
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Testicular Cancer Is A Disease In Which Malignant Cells Form In The Tissues Of One Or Both Testicles
The testicles are 2 egg-shaped glands inside the scrotum . The testicles are held within the scrotum by the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord also contains the vas deferens and vessels and nerves of the testicles.
The testicles are the male sex glands and make testosterone and sperm. Germ cells in the testicles make immature sperm. These sperm travel through a network of tubules and larger tubes into the epididymis . This is where the sperm mature and are stored.
Almost all testicular cancers start in the germ cells. The two main types of testicular germ cell tumors are seminomas and nonseminomas.
See the PDQ summary on Testicular Cancer Treatment for more information about testicular cancer.
What Are 5 Warning Signs Of Testicular Cancer
Five Common Signs of Testicular Cancer
- A painless lump, swelling or enlargement of one or both testes.
- Pain or heaviness in the scrotum.
- A dull ache or pressure in the groin, abdomen or low back.
- A general feeling of malaise, including unexplained fatigue, fever, sweating, coughing, shortness of breath or mild chest pains.
- Headache and confusion.
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Who Is At Risk For Testicular Cancer
Although this is a relatively rare cancer, young men should be aware of the risk factors. Some common risks include:
- A family history of testicular cancer
- A previous diagnosis
- History of undescended testicles which occur at birth affecting about 3-4% of male babies.
- Certain genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome
- Men with HIV
Screening For Cancer: Testicular And Prostate Cancer
Early diagnosis is important for the successful treatment of many diseases. When it comes to cancer, early detection seems especially urgent. In some cases, however, screening is not effective, either because there are no good tests or because early treatment usually doesn’t affect the outcome . In other cases, some screening methods have failed, but others are on the horizon . And in some diseases, screening has proved its value and should be part of everyone’s preventive maintenance .
The value of a screening test depends, not on its ability to detect disease, but on its ability to improve a person’s outcome, considering both the duration and quality of life. To decide if a test is right for you, ask your doctor to help you balance the risks and side effects of testing and treatment against the benefits you can expect from early treatment. For women, routine Pap smears have dramatically reduced deaths from cancer of the cervix, and research has validated the long-held belief that mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. For men, self-screening for testicular cancer is easy and logical, if unproven, while testing for prostate cancer is much more important but much less clear-cut. Let’s look at the screening issues that apply strictly to men.
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Is There A Way To Prevent Testicular Cancer
You can detect testicular cancer by doing a monthly testicular self-exam. Such an exam is a way that men can look for signs of cancer of the testicles. To do a self-exam, follow these steps.
After a while, you will know how your testicles feel and will be more alert to any changes.