Testicular cancer is one of the urological cancers. Testicular cancer, together with prostate, bladder and kidney cancer, is the area of interest of urological oncology. It is the rarest type of urological cancer. In a study, it was reported that the rate of testicular cancer among all cancers seen in men was 1%. It usually happens in one of the testicles. Although testicular cancer is not as common as the other three urological cancers, it is a disease that should be considered with its unique characteristics. Excluding pediatric tumors (pediatric tumors are very rare in urology), it is one of the important cancers seen in the younger age group. Testicular cancer is most common between the ages of 15 and 35.
The testis is an organ associated with masculinity. Sperm cells are produced and the male hormone (testosterone) is secreted in the testis, which ensures reproduction in men.
Reasons for the Formation of Testicular Cancer
We think that there are three main factors that increase the risk of testicular cancer: some problems experienced during pregnancy, genetic predisposition and congenital urological diseases (undescended testis, hypospadias). This is a disease and if the testicle does not descend on its own after waiting for a while, it should be treated and the testicle should be lowered to its natural position. The risk of developing testicular cancer in boys born with undescended testicles is 5-10 times higher than the general average.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer does not show any symptoms in the early stages. Patients usually feel a stiffness when they touch their testicles and apply to a urologist. Testicular cancer patients may have the following symptoms:
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Mass or swelling in the testicle
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Pain in the testicle, feeling of heaviness, tenderness
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Pain in the abdomen and/or groin
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Fluid collection in the scrotum
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Chest enlargement or tenderness
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Back pain
It is important to note that not every palpable mass in the testis is a tumor. A urologist should be consulted for a definitive diagnosis.
Diagnosis of testicular cancer includes palpation, some blood tests (AFP, beta-HCG, LDH), ultrasonography and computer It is diagnosed by diagnostic methods such as partial tomography. MR and PET-CT scans can also be used if necessary.
Testicular Cancer Treatment
Testicular cancer can be treated. Especially if the cancer has not metastasized to another part of the body, the problem can be eliminated with surgery. Depending on the stage of the disease, chemotherapy can be used alone or in addition to surgery.
Testicular Cancer Surgery
Testicular cancer surgery or radical inguninal orchiectomy. It is the operation of removing the tumorous testis from the body by entering through the groin. The testis can be removed completely or only the tumor part can be removed. The surgery can be performed open or closed.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with surgery in cases of testicular cancer.
Healing Process After Testicular Cancer Surgery
Testicular cancer usually occurs in only one of the testicles. In other words, after the tumor testicle is removed and the treatment is completed, the patient can continue his sexual life in a short time. He can return to his work life and daily life. The most important thing to know here is that a patient with a tumor in one testicle may also develop a tumor in the other testicle in his future life. The risk is 3 percent. For this reason, patients who are treated for testicular cancer should visit their urologists at certain intervals for the rest of their lives.
Can sexuality be maintained after testicular cancer surgery?
If the tumor is only in one testicle of the patient, couples can continue their sexual lives in a healthy manner shortly after this testicle is removed. She may have children. The sperm and hormone production of a tumorous testis is already damaged. Removal does not harm the patient's sexual life. However, although rare, testicular tumor can be seen bilaterally or a tumor may occur in the other testis in the coming years. In this case, both testicles are intervened. Ultimately, the person can no longer produce sperm and cannot have children. Sexual life can continue for many years with male hormone supplementation.
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