The testis is part of the
male reproductive system. Testicular cancer is a disease
in which the cells in one or both testicles begin
to grow out of control.
What causes it?
The causes for testicular
cancer are not yet fully understood. Major risk factors
of testicular cancer include:
A family history of testicular cancer
A history of an undescended or partly descended
testicle, or abnormal testicular development
Unlike most other cancers, testicular cancer tends to happen in young men before the age of 45. It is a relatively rare cancer in Hong Kong.
Most testicular cancers are spotted by men themselves.
What
are the common symptoms?
Common signs and symptoms
of testicular cancer include:
A painless lump in either testicle or an enlargement
of a testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A dull ache in the lower abdomen or the groin
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the nipples due
to hormones produced from the tumour
How
can I prevent it?
Checking your testicles regularly,
you can pick up the cancer early. Most testicular
cancers are spotted by men themselves.
What should I do if
I have suspicious symptoms?
If you notice any symptoms
as described above, you should consult a doctor immediately.
For suspected cases, the
doctor may examine your testicles and feel for any
lumps or swellings, and carry out some investigations.
These include ultrasound, blood tests, and procedures
to obtain tissue samples for laboratory examination.
What
is the treatment?
The sooner it is diagnosed,
the better the chance of a complete recovery. Overall
the treatment success rate is very high and more than
90% of men are expected to be cured.
Treatment for testicular
cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy (use of anti-cancer
or hormonal drugs), or radiotherapy (use of x-rays
to target and kill cancer cells), alone or in combination.
The doctor will recommend the optimal treatment depending
on its size, along with the extent to which it affects
the patient's life, and the presence of any other
medical conditions.
How can I help myself?
If you have a diagnosis of testicular
cancer, there are many things you can do to cope better
andto improve your quality of life, including:
Understand your illness and its treatment.
Talk to someone (your partner, a friend or counselor)
how you feel.
Learn how to cooperate with the people involved with
your care, including the health professionals, your family
and friends.
Take part in support groups to boost the ability to
self-care and to obtain mutual support.
Eat properly and have a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly under medical supervision.
Avoid stress, learn relaxation techniques and do things
that you can enjoy.
If you have any suspicions, you
should seek medical advice.
Be a healthy man
Checking your testicles regularly, you can pick up the cancer early.
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