4 Things Everyone Should Know About Testicular Cancer
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By Daniel A. Geynisman, MD, Mark Hallman, MD, PhD, Alexander Kutikov, MD, FACS
Testicular cancer is different from many other cancers, which are more common later in life. It most often affects younger men and is the most common cancer diagnosed in males ages 15 to 35. The good news: testicular cancer is also one of the most curable cancers, especially when it is found early.
As specialists who treat urologic cancers, we see how much early awareness can matter. Here are four things we want everyone to know about testicular cancer.
1. Many men notice the first sign themselves. We do not have a routine screening test for testicular cancer. However, many doctors include a testicular exam as part of a regular checkup. Some men also choose to do testicular self-exams.
Getting familiar with what feels normal for you can help you spot changes sooner. The easiest time to check is during or right after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed.
Whether you do self-exams or simply stay aware of your body, contact your provider if you notice any of the following:
- A new, hard lump in the testicle (often painless). This is the most common sign.
- Swelling, a change in size, or a change in firmness of a testicle.
- A heavy feeling or a dull ache in the lower belly or scrotum.
- Rarely, breast tenderness or enlargement.
These symptoms can be caused by things other than testicular cancer. Still, they should be checked by your provider. A quick, painless ultrasound of the scrotum can often tell us what is going on.
2. Some men are at higher risk. Testicular cancer is most often diagnosed in younger men, and the average age at diagnosis is 33. That said, it can happen at any age, including in children and older men.
In the U.S., testicular cancer is diagnosed more often in White men than in men from other racial or ethnic groups. However, the incidence in Hispanic men is increasing, and it is important to realize that it can occur in men of all ethnicities.
You might be at higher risk if you have any of the following:
- An undescended testicle (if one or both testicles did not move into the scrotum before you were born).
- A personal or family history of testicular cancer.
- Klinefelter syndrome.
If any of these apply to you, it is a good idea to talk with your provider.
We are also often asked about things that do not affect testicular cancer risk. Despite what you may have heard, testicular cancer is not caused by being hit in the testicles or by activities like cycling or horseback riding.
3. Testicular cancer is on the rise. The number of new cases diagnosed each year has been increasing, though we do not know the exact reason. Even with this upward trend, testicular cancer is still relatively rare. Around 1 in 250 men will get this cancer in their lifetime, and fewer than 10,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
4. Testicular cancer is highly treatable. This cancer has a very high cure rate, especially when it has not spread outside the testicle. Even when it has spread to other areas of the body, it is often curable.
When treating testicular cancer, we consider many factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your personal goals (including fertility). At Fox Chase Cancer Center, we offer individualized treatment plans that may include one or more of the following:
- Surgery. The testicle with the tumor is removed through a small groin incision. In some cases, surgery may also include a specialized procedure to remove lymph nodes from the back of the abdomen (called a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, or RPLND).
- Radiation therapy. This can be an effective treatment for some types of testicular cancer.
- Chemotherapy. Many types of testicular cancer respond very well to chemotherapy.
- Other systemic therapies. In select situations, additional medications may be recommended, often through clinical trials.
- Clinical trials. Through our participation in clinical trials, we can offer access to promising treatments that may not yet be widely available.
Most people can still have children after removing one testicle. However, some treatments can affect fertility. We talk early about options like sperm banking before treatment. When additional surgery is needed, our surgeons use nerve-sparing techniques to help preserve ejaculation and fertility.
Get expert testicular cancer care
When it comes to rare cancers like testicular tumors, where you receive care matters. At Fox Chase, you will have access to a team of urologic oncology experts experienced in diagnosing and treating testicular cancer. In addition, our Young Adult Cancer Program helps people navigate the challenges of having cancer as young adults, with support and education around work or school, fertility, sexual health, emotional distress, and more.
To schedule a consultation with a specialist at Fox Chase, call 888-369-2427 or request an appointment online.
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