Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer constitutes 1%-1.5% of all cancers seen in men, and its incidence in western societies is reported to be 3-10 per 100 000. However, since it is the most common cancer between the ages of 15-35, it is accepted as an important public health problem in the United States and Continental Europe. Although they have different histological subtypes, germ cell tumors are seen with a frequency of 90%-95%. Non-seminoma germ cell tumors are most common in the third decade, and pure seminoma tumors are most common in the fourth decade. Etiological factors include undescended testicle, Klinefelter's syndrome, infertility, history of testicular cancer in a first-degree relative (father, sibling), and the presence of cancer or testicular intraepithelial neoplasia in the other testicle. The most common symptom and finding is a palpable, painless mass in the testicle. Pain is rare. In late-staged patients, varying symptoms such as widespread body pain, cough, respiratory problems, nausea-vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue may be observed, depending on the organ to which the cancer has spread. However, epidemiological studies in the literature have shown that public knowledge and awareness about testicular cancer and CCTM in the world and in our country is limited. Scrotal ultrasonography and tumor markers are used in the initial diagnosis. The most commonly used tumor markers; AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein), B-HCG (Beta-Human Chorionic Gonodotrophin) and LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) are checked in the blood. Treatment is surgical removal of the mass along with the testicle (Inguinal radical orchiectomy). Definitive diagnosis is made by pathology. After the histological type of the tumor is determined by pathological study, Computed Tomography is used to investigate the extent of the disease. The treatment plan after orchiectomy should be made according to the stage of the disease. While follow-up or a course of chemotherapy is sufficient in early stage testicular tumors, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or lymph node dissection surgeries may be required as additional treatment in more advanced stages. All patients need to be closely monitored by the urologist after their treatment is completed.

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