TESTICULAR CANCER: EARLY IDENTIFICATION SAVES FERTILITY

WHAT IS TESTICULAR CANCER?

Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle. Depending on the type and stage of testicular cancer, you may receive one of several treatments, or a combination. Regular testicular self-examinations can help identify growths early, when the chance for successful treatment of testicular cancer is highest.

HOW TO IDENTIFY TESTICULAR CANCER?

Most lumps discovered by chance. Although a painless mass — often discovered by accident — is the most common symptom of testicular cancer, the mass may become painful if it is injured, grows rapidly or bleeds.

Sometimes, a man will notice a change in the size, shape or firmness of a testicle, or even finds it unusually tender. This is also cause for concern.

If the cancer has spread, back pain, abdominal pain, coughing or shortness of breath may occur. Swelling of the breast or tender nipples may occur when the tumour causes excessive hormone production.

There is a close connection between testicular cancer and male infertility. The cancer is sometimes discovered when a man’s partner is unable to become pregnant, and the couple undergoes an infertility assessment.

Men born with undescended testes are at increased risk as well, but who else can gets testicular cancer is hard to predict.

WHAT IS THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT?

The diagnosis of testicular cancer is confirmed by an ultrasound and blood test. When a solid mass is present, the testicle is removed through a small incision in the groin that leaves the scrotum intact. If desired, the testicle can be replaced with a prosthesis.

The need for further treatment after surgery depends on the type of testicular cancer, and whether it has spread. Some patients are closely observed. Others may need chemotherapy or radiation or have surgery to remove enlarged lymph nodes that remain after chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy and radiation can cause temporary sterility that usually returns in a couple years.

WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF TESTICULAR CANCER?

Testicular cancer is rare enough that it’s easy for patients to ignore and physicians to misdiagnose.

If you experience any of these symptoms, bring them to the attention of your doctor or urologist right away, as early treatment may save your life and your fertility. Delaying a visit to the doctor in the hopes that the lump may go away on its own or being embarrassed because of a lump can cause you to lose you fertility and can endanger your life.

If your physician diagnoses you with epididymitis and prescribes a four-week course of antibiotics, request an ultrasound of your testis to prevent a misdiagnosis.

WHY KIMS?

KIMS, one of the best testicular cancer treatment hospitals in Hyderabad, use sophisticated imaging and laboratory tests to confirm your diagnosis and identify the characteristics of your tumour or lymphoma. Our best testicular cancer treatment specialist in Hyderabad are among the nation’s most experienced in treating testicular cancer. Our specialists work as a team to plan the most appropriate treatment for you – typically surgery for early-stage tumours, with the addition of chemotherapy reserved for more advanced tumours. As the best testicular cancer treatment in Hyderabad, we’re also able to also provide key resources for living with testicular cancer, such as guidance on male sexual health and options for preserving fertility.