4min reads

An overview of testicular cancer

4min reads

An overview of testicular cancer

Julie Scott, DNP
Julie Scott, DNP

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the testicles, part of the male reproductive system. Cancer cells can develop from different cells of the testicles and most often develop in germ cells. Germ cells are the cells that will eventually become sperm.

Germ cell testicular cancer can be further divided into nonseminoma or seminoma types.

Symptoms

Symptoms of testicular cancer can vary for each person, but some of the common symptoms of testicular cancer include the following:

  • A mass or lump in one testicle
  • Pain in the testicle
  • A feeling of heaviness in the testicles
  • Aching in the testicles
  • Pain or aching in the abdomen or pelvis

Symptoms of testicular cancer that has spread to other areas of the body can include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Back pain
  • Swelling to the legs

Diagnosis

The ultimate diagnosis of testicular cancer will be made once a biopsy is obtained. Often, when someone presents with testicular pain or swelling, an ultrasound of the testicles can be done to look for any suspicious areas in the testicle. If testicular cancer is suspected, they may be referred for surgery to have the affected testicle removed.

Once the surgery is done, the mass will be tested for cancer.

When a diagnosis of testicular cancer is suspected or confirmed, imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans may be ordered to see if the cancer has spread to other body areas, including solid organs.

Lab tests, such as beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), can serve as tumor markers. These tests can be elevated if testicular cancer is present.

Treatment

The exact treatment for testicular cancer will be determined once the diagnosis is made and the cancer stage is known. Surgery is commonly done as part of the diagnostic process. Some lymph nodes may also be removed during surgery to see if any cancer cells are present.

Some people will need to be treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a medication that is given to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy, where high beams of energy are directed at cancer cells, may also be given.

If you’ve been diagnosed with testicular cancer, be sure to talk to your cancer team about the specifics of your cancer. They can help you understand your diagnosis and how best to treat it.

While it is a serious disease, testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early.

Julie Scott, DNP
Julie Scott, DNP
Julie is an oncology certified Oncology Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of medical oncology experience. In addition to her clinical work, she is an accomplished healthcare writer providing oncology content for various publications. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member for a Master's nursing program and a chair for Doctoral nursing students.

Download our
mobile app

Share this post
You may also like
Articles
Understanding Vaginal Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
January 23, 2023

What is Vaginal cancer? Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the vagina. This type of cancer is most commonly found in women over 60. However, it can occur in women of any age. The exact cause of vaginal cancer is unknown, but certain…

Julie Scott, DNP

author

Articles
Cancer patients and survivors find community and support on cancerGO
November 3, 2022

On behalf of caregivers and survivors, we welcome you to cancerGo. Our social network is the first ever dedicated exclusively to people living with or fighting cancer - it is a safe space where they can connect with others who understand what they are going through; seek help from those…

Pinaki Saha

administrator

Articles
The facts about floor of mouth cancer-what causes it, symptom, and treatment
December 22, 2022

Floor-of-mouth cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that line the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. This cancer most often starts in the squamous cells that cover the oral cavity. Factors that can make someone at higher risk of developing floor of the mouth…

Julie Scott, DNP

author

cancerGO gives you access to a community

Where are people to listen, answer questions, share information, and offer valuable and timely advice