Testicular (Ovarian) Cancers
How common are testicular cancers, what are the most common ages?
It is seen in 6-11 per 100,000 men, the incidence rate among male cancers is 1-1%, Although it is as rare as 5, it is the most common type of cancer in young adulthood (between 15-35 years).
Why is the importance of testicular cancer increasing?
Testicular cancer is especially common in countries with high income levels. Even when there is metastatic disease (spreading or spreading to other places) among mass tumors, which we call solid tumors, treatment rates are high, and 85-90% of the patients are fully cured. However, since the tumor has the potential to spread rapidly, it requires surgery and treatment as soon as possible.
What are the reasons for presentation in testicular cancer?
Patients usually present with unilateral painless swelling and mass (hardness).
br /> 20% of patients apply due to scrotal (skin and subcutaneous area covering the testicles-male eggs-) pain. Until proven otherwise, painless scrotal stiffness should be considered as a testicular tumor unless there is a history of inflammatory condition, and action should be taken accordingly.
Back and side pain is seen in 11% of cases.
Hemoptysis due to metastatic mass in 10-20% of cases. Rare complaints such as (bloody cough), nausea, vomiting, convulsion (epilepsy) and bone fracture may occur.
Gynecomastia (breast enlargement) may be observed in 7% of patients.
What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
· A history of undescended testicles (the testicles have not descended into the scrotum or descended late)
· Klinefelter syndrome
· Having had testicular cancer in a first-degree relative (father, sibling)
· Presence of testicular cancer on the other side
· Testicular cancer is more common in those with a history of infertility.
How is a definitive diagnosis made in testicular cancer?
· Physical examination: Testicular tumors usually present due to painless swelling and mass. Therefore, painless masses should be perceived as cancer until proven otherwise. During the examination, hardness involving the whole or a part of the testicle can be palpated.
· ; Tumor marker and scrotal USG: The rule that tumor markers may not increase in every testicular tumor should not be forgotten.
If the diagnosis is not fully confirmed despite these examinations, the testicle is explored through an inguinal incision and the decision is made according to the findings of the surgery. Scrotal exploration and open testicular biopsy should be avoided. The testicle must be removed surgically without delay. Postoperative pathological evaluation determines the type and stage of the tumor.
Treatment methods according to the stage and type of the tumor;
· Follow-up treatment
· Irradiation of the retroperitoneal area
· Chemotherapy
· Retroperitoneal It can be classified as lymph dissection.
Is there a preventive method in testicular cancer?
Although there is no known preventive method in testicular cancer, treatment rates are quite high when the disease is detected in the early stages. Men between the ages of 15 and 35, which are the most common ages, should be advised and taught to perform testicular self-examination at least once a month (just like women should do a breast examination for breast cancer). People who think there is an abnormality in their testicles should consult a doctor without delay.
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