Testicular Cancer – Symptoms and Causes
About Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer begins in the testicles, the male reproductive organs located in the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone.
This type of cancer is not very common but tends to affect younger men, with most cases occurring between ages 15 and 45.
The most common early sign is a lump or swelling on a testicle. Testicular cancer cells can grow rapidly and may spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly.
Despite its ability to spread, testicular cancer has high cure rates. Even when the cancer has spread beyond the testicle, treatment is often successful.
Treatment options include:
- Surgery to remove the affected testicle
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy (in some cases)
- Regular follow-up care
Early detection through self-examination is important. Men should check their testicles monthly for any unusual lumps, swelling, or changes in size or shape.
Signs and Trouble Signals
Testicular cancer often shows itself through several signs:
- A lump or swelling in one testicle
- Heaviness feeling in the scrotum
- Dull aching in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden scrotum swelling
- Pain in a testicle or the scrotum
- Enlarged or tender breast tissue
- Pain in the back
Important fact: Most cases of testicular cancer affect only one testicle, not both.
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer is present, but they should never be ignored.
When To Seek Medical Attention
If you notice any lumps, pain, or swelling in your testicles that stays for more than two weeks, it’s important to contact your doctor.
Don’t wait if you feel something unusual in your testicles or groin area.
Causes
Most testicular cancers start without a clear reason. The disease begins when changes happen in the DNA of cells in the testicles. DNA works like a set of instructions that tell cells what to do.
When DNA changes occur, the affected cells grow and multiply too quickly. These cells don’t die when they should, unlike healthy cells. This creates extra cells that form a mass called a tumor.
As time passes, the tumor may grow beyond the testicle. Some cancer cells can break away and travel to other body parts.
Testicular cancer commonly spreads to:
- Lymph nodes
- Liver
- Lungs
When the cancer spreads to other areas, doctors call it metastatic testicular cancer.
Almost all testicular cancers develop in germ cells, which are responsible for making sperm. Scientists haven’t identified exactly what causes the DNA changes in these cells that lead to cancer.
Research continues to better understand the triggers for these DNA changes and why some men develop this condition while others don’t.
Things That Raise Testicular Cancer Risk
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of developing testicular cancer:
Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism): When a testicle doesn’t move down from the abdomen to the scrotum before birth, it raises the cancer risk. This risk remains higher even after surgery to fix the condition.
Family History: Men with relatives who have had testicular cancer face a higher risk themselves.
Age: While testicular cancer can occur at any age, it appears most often in teens and young men between 15 and 45 years old.
Race: White men develop testicular cancer at higher rates than men of other racial backgrounds.
However, many men who develop testicular cancer have no known risk factors.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent testicular cancer. If you develop this condition, it’s important to understand that it wasn’t caused by anything you did or didn’t do.
Some medical professionals suggest regular self-examinations of the testicles. This involves carefully feeling each testicle for unusual lumps or changes in texture.
Medical opinions on this practice vary. Research hasn’t proven that self-exams reduce death rates from testicular cancer. Even when found in later stages, this cancer typically has high cure rates.
However, becoming familiar with how your testicles normally feel may be beneficial. If you choose to perform self-exams:
- Examine your testicles after a warm shower
- Use both hands to gently roll each testicle between your fingers
- Note any changes in size, shape, or texture
