What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Testicular Cancer
The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump in your testicle. Other symptoms include:
- Swelling or sudden fluid build-up in your scrotum.
- A lump or swelling in either testicle.
- A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum.
- Dull ache in your groin or lower abdomen.
- Pain or discomfort in your scrotum or a testicle.
- A shrinking testicle .
These symptoms can occur with other conditions, too, so dont panic if you notice them. Still, schedule a visit with your provider to be sure. Delays in diagnosis allow cancer cells time to spread, making the disease harder to treat.
Things You Need To Know About Prostate & Testicular Cancers
Its important to take our health seriously, whether that means being proactive about visiting the doctor, giving ourselves relevant self-exams, or simply educating ourselves on the health topics that directly affect us. For the men out there, two types of cancers prostate and testicular are ones that can directly affect us, yet many of us might not know much about them.
Here are seven things you need to know about prostate and testicular cancers:
What Should I Do If I Find A Lump
If you feel a lump in your testicle, or are concerned about a change in its shape or size, discuss this with your doctor.
Dont panic: You may feel nervous, scared or worried. These feelings are completely normal, but its best to remain calm. Most testicular lumps are benign.
Understand that lumps may be caused by other conditions: Often, testicular lumps are caused by something other than testicular cancer. Sometimes, an infection may cause swelling and tenderness. Other common causes for testicular lumps include:
- VaricoceleThis is the enlargement of a vein in the testicle, similar to a varicose vein in your leg. It can often be left untreated, although it can also be surgically removed.
- Epididymal cystsThese are fluid-filled sacs that may develop in the epididymis, a tube that transports sperm out of the testes. Small cysts are often left alone, but larger cysts may be removed.
- HydroceleThis is another type of fluid-filled sac that forms around a testicle. These usually dont cause pain but may cause swelling in the scrotum. Often, they go away on their own, but they may also be surgically removed if necessary.
Visiting your doctor as soon as possible is the best thing to do for your health. Lumps are easier to treat if theyre caught early, while theyre still small.
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Men Who Have Had Testicular Cancer Are More Likely To Develop Prostate Cancer Although Overall Risk Of Developing Aggressive Disease Is Low
- Date:
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Summary:
- A case-control study of close to 180,000 men suggests that the incidence of prostate cancer is higher among men with a history of testicular cancer than among those without a history of testicular cancer . Men who have had testicular cancer were also more likely to develop intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancers.
A case-control study of close to 180,000 men suggests that the incidence of prostate cancer is higher among men with a history of testicular cancer than among those without a history of testicular cancer . Men who have had testicular cancer were also more likely to develop intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancers. The study will be presented at the upcoming 2015 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in Orlando.
“Men with a history of testicular cancer should talk with their doctor about assessing their risk for prostate cancer, given there may be an increased risk,” said senior study author Mohummad Minhaj Siddiqui, MD, an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and director of urologic robotic surgery at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center in Baltimore, Md. “It is too soon to make any practice recommendations based on this single study, but the findings provide groundwork for further research into the biologic link between the two diseases.”
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What Is Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the sixth commonest cancer in the world. It accounts for 7% of all cancers in men. With advancing age, the likelihood of malignant changes within the prostate increases. Although around 80% of the men have malignant foci in their prostate by the age of eighty, most of these remain dormant. Adenocancer is the histological type of the tumor.
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Questions You May Want To Consider Asking Your Doctor Include:
- What type of prostate problem do I have?
- Is more testing needed and what will it tell me?
- If I decide on watchful waiting, what changes in my symptoms should I look for and how often should I be tested?
- What type of treatment do you recommend for my prostate problem?
- For men like me, has this treatment worked?
- How soon would I need to start treatment and how long would it last?
- Do I need medicine and how long would I need to take it before seeing improvement in my symptoms?
- What are the side effects of the medicine?
- Are there other medicines that could interfere with this medication?
- If I need surgery, what are the benefits and risks?
- Would I have any side effects from surgery that could affect my quality of life?
- Are these side effects temporary or permanent?
- How long is recovery time after surgery?
- Will I be able to fully return to normal?
- How will this affect my sex life?
- How often should I visit the doctor to monitor my condition?
Related Resources
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is an alliance of 28 leading cancer centers in the United States. The NCCN Testicular Cancer Guidelines are free but users must register for a free account to access them. The NCCN Guidelines are updated on an ongoing basis and the latest versions are listed on their site.
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Prostate And Testicular Cancer Risk Factors
All men have the risk of developing either prostate or testicular cancer. There are various factors, aside from being male, that contribute to your risk. Some factors include your race, age and family history. Because of this, it is recommended that you get screened for both cancers on a regular basis.
If you have any questions about prostate cancer, contact us here or call us at 705-5201.
European Society Of Medical Oncology
The 2013 version of the Testicular Seminoma and Non-seminoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up have received and eUpdate in 2020 and an eUpdate in 2017.
In 2016, ESMO also held a consensus conference with 36 testicular cancer experts to discuss any controversial issues involving the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for testicular cancer that have arisen since the 2013 Clinical Practice Guideline publication. The conference publication is available at ESMO Consensus Conference on testicular germ cell cancer: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.
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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.
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.
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How Can I Prevent Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer isnt preventable, but you can perform testicular self-exams to identify changes in your testicles that you should bring to your providers attention. Your provider should know about lumps, nodules, hardness or a testicle thats become bigger or smaller.
Many providers recommend performing a testicular self-exam monthly.
Signs And Symptoms Of Testicular Cancer That Men Should Be Aware Of Include:
- A lump or enlargement in either testicle
- Pain or discomfort in the groin area
- Testicle feels heavier than usual
- Breast growth or soreness
- Early puberty in boys
Early detection remains the key to survival.
At this time, there is no way to prevent testicular cancer. However, it can be detected at its earliest stage during routine physical exams with your physician and self-examinations at home. While not all lumps are cancerous, if you find a lump in a testicle it is best to make an appointment to see your doctor immediately.
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How To Look For Testicular Lumps
Some doctors recommend monthly self-exams to look for changes. If youre planning to do this, speak with your doctor first to make sure this screening is right for you.
You may do a self-examination either in the shower or right after, when the skin is soft. To self-examine:
- Hold each testicle between your thumb and fingers, gently rolling it back and forth, feeling for anything out of the ordinary. This may include a lump, firm nodule, a change in the consistency of your skin, or a change in size.
- Keep in mind that its normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other.
- If one or both testicles feel painful or swollen, this may indicate an abnormality.
How Do I Take Care Of Myself
In some instances, people with lymph nodes removed can get an erection but may have difficulty ejaculating.
Talk to your provider about any risks related to treatment. If youre concerned about your fertility, sperm banking, or freezing your sperm for later, use may be an option.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Dont delay scheduling a provider visit if you notice a change in one or both testicles. Most people would rather avoid or postpone exams that involve close inspection of their genitals. When it comes to cancer, though, timing is essential. Depending on your cancer type, early treatment can cure testicular cancer.
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Prostate Cancer Is Very Common And Affects Older Men More
Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is very common. In fact, other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. About 1 man in 8 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. But only about 1 man in 41 will die of prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates about 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States will occur in 2021 along with about 34,130 deaths. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About 6 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40. The average age of men at diagnosis is about 66.
Testicular Cancer And The Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system that runs throughout the body. The lymph nodes and lymph vessels contain a yellow fluid called lymph that flows through the lymphatic system. It collects waste products and drains into veins for the waste to be removed.
Cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and make them bigger . It is common for testicular cancer to spread to the lymph nodes in the back of the tummy . These are called the retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
These lymph nodes are behind your bowel and just in front of your spine. They run alongside the major blood vessel in the abdomen .
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What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Testicular Cancer
Several factors may increase your testicular cancer risk. Risk factors dont cause testicular cancer, but they may increase its likelihood of developing.
Risk factors for testicular cancer include:
- Age: Testicular cancer most commonly affects people between ages 15 and 35.
- Undescended testicles: Testicles form in the abdomen of a fetus during pregnancy and usually drop into the scrotum before birth. Testicles that dont drop are called undescended testicles and may require surgery. Being born with this condition may increase your testicular cancer risk even if you have surgery.
- Race and ethnicity: Testicular cancer is more common among non-Hispanic whites in the United States and Europe.
- Personal or family history: You may be more likely to develop testicular cancer if a biological parent or sibling had it. Certain inherited genetic conditions, like Klinefelter Syndrome, may also increase your risk. Having testicular cancer in one testicle increases your likelihood of developing a second cancer in the other testicle.
- Infertility: Some of the same factors that cause infertility may also be related to the development of testicular cancer. More research is needed to understand the connection.
Testicular And Prostate Cancer
The NHS have targeted five symptoms relating to mens health that shouldnt be ignored, and along with moles, feeling depressed and impotence, these include symptoms of testicular and prostate cancer. We have outlined the key signs to look out for with these two cancers and what risk factors might be at play, as well as some useful links at the bottom.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the lesser common cancers but around 2,200 men in the UK are still diagnosed with it every year – incidence rates are increasing throughout the world and have more than doubled in the UK since the mid-1970s. The good news, however, is that survival rates for testicular cancer have actually risen year on year and the UK now boasts a 95% cure rate.
Testicular cancer usually affects younger men between the ages of 15 and 49, and so if you are within this age bracket and/or experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it is important to visit your GP as soon as possible.
The most common symptom is a lump or swelling in one of your testicles. Most of the time testicular lumps or swellings are not a sign of cancer, and in fact research has shown that less than 4% of testicular lumps are cancerous. Nonetheless they should not be ignored.
Other symptoms can include:
Remember it’s always important to be aware of what feels normal for you – get to know your body and make an appointment to visit your GP if you notice any changes.
Prostate cancer
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Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Many of these symptoms can be seen in benign conditions including BPH which is very common in men over 65. Always discuss symptoms with your doctor. Early stage prostate cancer usually does not have any symptoms, but these are signs to look for:
- Frequent urination
- Weak flow, interrupted flow, and difficulty emptying bladder
- Frequent night urination
- Erectile dysfunction
How Does A Doctor Check For Testicular Cancer
Key points about diagnosing testicular cancer Your doctor will examine your testicles and scrotum for a lump and swelling. An ultrasound will create a picture of your scrotum and testicles. This is a quick and painless scan. Blood tests will look for chemicals in your blood that may indicate cancer.
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Testicular Cancer Treatment Guidelines
Testicular cancer guidelines have been developed by various organizations to serve as blueprints for best practices in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Medical knowledge and technology are constantly evolving, as do the guidelines. Variations in guidelines exist due to the organizations and committees involved in their development, the timing of the reviews and publications, geographical differences in local practices and on the basis of available data and expert consensus. Below are some of the more commonly referred to guidelines.