What is testicular cancer?

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
  

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.

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.