Testicular cancer begins in the testicles, the glands inside the scrotum, the sac of skin below the penis. Early identification greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Testicular cancer is a major health issue for young men, especially those between 15 and 40 years old. It's one of the most common cancers in this age group, but with today’s medical treatments, it’s treatable. 

In 2020, there were 74,458 new cases of testicular cancer worldwide. The number of new testicular cancer cases differs depending on the region. There are 3 to 12 new cases per 100,000 men in Western countries each year, while in Asian and African countries, the numbers are much lower. It’s very rare in India, affecting fewer than 1 in every 100,000 men.

This Men’s Health Week, let’s learn about testicular cancer, screening self-exams, and treatment options. Testicular health is vital for fertility, hormone production, and men's overall well-being.

What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer occurs when cancer cells grow in the testicles, the small glands in the scrotum under the penis that produce sperm and male hormones. Symptoms of testicular cancer can include:

• A hard lump or mass in one testicle
   
• Enlargement or swelling in one or both testicles
   
• And discomfort or pain in the testicles or scrotum
   
• Ranging from sharp to dull. 
   
• Other signs might be a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
   
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin area
   
• And a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum. 

While it’s a serious condition, it’s treatable if it is diagnosed at an early stage. There are several stages of testicular cancer, and based on the type of the condition, there are various screening methods you need to try to monitor your risk of testicular cancer. So, let’s review the different types and screening methods for testicular cancer.

Types of Testicular Cancer

• Seminoma: This type of testicular cancer grows slowly and responds well to radiation therapy. It generally affects men in their 30s and 40s. Because it grows slowly, treatment is often very effective.
   
• Non-Seminoma: This type of testicular cancer grows faster and spreads more quickly than seminoma. It often affects younger men, usually in their late teens to early 30s. Non-seminomas include different subtypes:
   
• Embryonal Carcinoma: A fast-growing cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.
   
• Yolk Sac Tumor: It is common in young children and responds well to chemotherapy.
   
• Choriocarcinoma: A rare but very aggressive form that can spread rapidly.
   
• Teratoma: Can be mature or immature, with mature teratomas often being less aggressive.

These testicular cancer types require regular screening to get an early diagnosis, which is helpful in treating the cancer as early as possible. Let’s review the most common self-examination process used to screen for testicular cancer.

Self-Examination

• Monthly self-exams of your testicles are key to catching testicular cancer early. By regularly checking, you can quickly notice any unusual changes.
   
• The best time to do this is after a warm shower or bath when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Start by standing in front of a mirror and looking for any swelling or changes in the scrotum. Next, use both hands to gently feel each testicle separately. Place your index and middle fingers underneath and your thumbs on top, then softly roll the testicle between your fingers. 
   
• You're checking for lumps, bumps, or changes in size, shape, or consistency. It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower than the other, so don't be alarmed by this natural difference.
   
• However, if you notice any significant changes, lumps, or swelling, it's important to contact your doctor right away. Regular self-exams can make a big difference by detecting potential issues early, leading to more effective treatment and better health outcomes.

Treatment Options for Testicular Cancer

Early detection is vital for treating testicular cancer effectively. Based on self-evaluation and further diagnostic studies, there are several treatment options available for patients with testicular cancer.

Surgery

The primary treatment is surgery, specifically an orchiectomy, where the cancerous testicle is removed. This procedure is highly successful, especially when the cancer is found early, and it often prevents the cancer from spreading. Orchiectomy alone cures over 85% of early-stage seminoma cases. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, a Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND) might be needed. This surgery removes these affected lymph nodes to stop the spread and helps reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.

Radiation Therapy 

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is mainly used for treating seminomas, a type of testicular cancer sensitive to radiation. After surgery, radiation therapy is typically used to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, particularly in the lymph nodes or surrounding areas. After surgery, radiation therapy helps prevent testicular cancer from returning. For seminomas, more than 95% of patients stay cancer-free for at least 5 years.

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. It’s useful if the cancer has spread beyond the testicle or to prevent it from coming back after surgery. Chemotherapy can treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body by targeting and eliminating any remaining cancer cells. It’s often combined with surgery to shrink tumours before they are removed or to treat cancer that returns after initial treatments.

Stem Cell Transplant

A stem cell transplant for testicular cancer is an advanced treatment option for cases where cancer is aggressive or returns after initial therapy. It involves high-dose chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, followed by a stem cell transplant to restore healthy blood cell production. This approach allows the use of more intensive chemotherapy than usual. This treatment is usually for patients whose cancer has come back or hasn’t responded to other treatments, giving them another hope for a cure or long-term relief.

Conclusion

Taking care of your testicles is important, especially for young men aged 15 to 40, because testicular cancer is more common in this age group. Regular self-examinations can help detect changes early, leading to easier and more successful treatment. See a doctor immediately if you find anything unusual, like lumps or swelling. Treatments like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants can effectively treat testicular cancer. 

This Men’s Health Week, remember to check your testicles regularly and stay aware of your health. Early detection can save lives. For more information about testicular cancer and maintaining your testicular health, check out MASSH. We specialize in offering highly specialized surgical treatment options for all types of men’s health problems. Check out our website to learn more about testicular cancer treatment at MASSH or visit us today to consult with our specialists.