Understanding Testicular Cancer - Screening And Diagnosis

by Iridium Health Health Assessment Services

Testicular cancer is rare when compared to other types of cancer. It occurs in testicles or testes, which are responsible for producing sperm for reproduction and male sex hormones. It is a highly treatable cancer and even if cancer has spread beyond scrotum, you can still opt for different types of treatments available in the medical facilities. Most types of testicular cancer begin in cells that produce sperm. These cells are also known as germ cells and cancer developing in these cells are known as germ cell tumours.

Some factors increase the risk of developing testicular cancer. However, no particular factor can be called the primary. Let’s take a look at these factors:

Family History - As it is with most diseases, if you have a family history of testicular cancer, then you are more likely to develop testicular cancer. This family member can be anyone from a close relative to your brother.

Race - Your race is also a factor. White men are more likely to develop this type of cancer than men of any other race. Race becomes a factor in a lot of diseases and this condition is no different.

Age - Mostly, men between the ages of 20 and 45 are the ones who get diagnosed with testicular cancer. Although men in other age brackets can also develop this cancer, this particular bracket of 20-45 is considered more vulnerable to it.

There are many other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this cancer. Know about them to understand your risk. The Testicular Lump/Cancer Test can be availed in many clinics and medical facilities. Don’t ignore any uncommon changes in your testes and get yourself checked immediately.

The First Step

The first step towards diagnosing testicular cancer is checking the presence of a lump in the scrotum. Most of these lumps aren’t cancerous but it is important that you go for a test immediately after finding a lump. Getting it checked as soon as possible can relieve your doubts or help in detecting cancer at an early stage. We all know how beneficial it is for treatment when the cancer is in an early stage.

Self-Examination

Doctors recommend that men aged between 15 and 55 should regularly perform a self-examination to detect any changes. A lump, pain, enlargement, hardness or any other change in any of the testes should alarm you to get it checked as soon as possible. If your GP thinks that the change is cancerous, you’ll be referred for further tests. These tests include:

Blood Tests - A series of blood tests are done in your diagnosis or even in screening to check the levels of certain hormones in your blood. There are certain “markers” that indicate testicular cancer. Blood tests are done to find them. It is also important to remember that not all people affected by this cancer show these “markers”. So, you might need some other tests to be sure.
Ultrasound - This is done to know whether the lump is cancerous or non-cancerous. It will also help in finding if the lump is filled with fluid, which usually suggests that the lump is harmless.

So, be active and aware. Take immediate action when you find any abnormality in your testicles. Early detection of cancer can save your life.

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