Men's Health

How to test for symptoms of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men with ages ranging from 20 to 34. From all types of cancer, this one is responsible for only one percent of deaths caused by cancer, because if it is treated early, it can usually be cured, which makes the need for checking for symptoms for testicular cancer all the more necessary.

There are two common types of testicular cancer: teratoma and seminoma. Seminomas are composed of a single cell type, while teratomas consist of more types of testicular cells. Combinations of seminoma and teratoma were also found in some cases. Lymphoma is a very rare type of testicular cancer, and it comes from the lymphatic tissue (a part of the immune system) within the testicle.

Genetic link

It is unknown what causes testicular cancer, but undescended testicles are more likely to develop the disease. Also, having a relative with this type of cancer, having fertility problems, being heavier than normal or having a rare painful swelling of the testicles called mumps orchitis may increase the risk of developing testicular cancer.

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a swelling or irregularity in one testicle. Other symptoms that may be present are:

• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  
  
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen
  
  
• Unstable pain or discomfort in the testicle
  
  
• A hydrocele (sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum)

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms you should visit an urologist. He or she will examine you to eliminate any other possible causes of the symptoms. The examination may include an ultrasound scan, X-rays and/or blood tests. Although in most cases the cause of the symptoms can be determined though this method, the only way to be sure that it is cancer is surgery.

The stages in which it spreads are:

• cancer in the testicle only
  
  
• spread to the lymph nodes nearby
  
  
• cancer cells are found in the abdomen or above the collarbone
  
  
• spread to other parts of the body, often the lung