Testicle Cancer
The most common cancer in men between 20 and 40 years
If symptoms occur, an appointment with a urologist should be scheduled immediately. Early examination and diagnosis are crucial for successful treatment.
Definition and types of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the testicle. The testicle is part of the male reproductive system and produces sperm and the hormone testosterone. The most common forms of testicular cancer are seminomas and non-seminomas, which differ in their growth and treatment.
Symptoms of testicular cancer
- A painless swelling or lump in the testicle
- Heaviness in the scrotum
- Pain or a dull pulling sensation in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
Diagnosis of testicular cancer
The diagnosis of testicular cancer usually begins with a physical examination, during which the urologist palpates the testicles to check for lumps or hardness. Further key diagnostic methods include:
Scrotal ultrasound: A painless procedure that provides detailed images and helps distinguish between benign and malignant changes.
Blood tests: Measurement of tumor markers such as AFP, β-HCG, and LDH, which can indicate the presence of a testicular tumor.
Imaging scans: CT or MRI of the abdomen and chest are used to detect any possible spread (metastases) of the cancer.
In many cases, the affected testicle is surgically removed (orchiectomy) for a definitive diagnosis and then examined histologically.
Causes of testicular cancer
The causes of testicular cancer are not clearly identified, but there are risk factors that can increase the risk. These include genetic factors, a previous history of testicular cancer, a family history of testicular cancer, and certain conditions such as cryptorchidism (undescended testes).
Treatment of testicular cancer
Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the stage and type of tumor. The most common treatments include:
Surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy): This is often the first step in diagnosis and treatment.
Chemotherapy: For advanced or aggressive tumors.
Radiation therapy: Commonly used for seminoma tumors.
Prosthetic implantation: After removal of the testicle, a prosthetic testicle can be inserted to preserve its aesthetic appearance.
Chances of recovery from testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable and curable cancers, especially when detected early. The cure rate is over 95% when the cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
Can I have children despite testicular cancer?
Fertility and Testicular Cancer
Although the removal of one testicle can affect fertility, most men are still able to father children, as the remaining healthy testicle can continue to support spermatogenesis (sperm production). However, in some cases, sperm count or quality may decrease, especially if chemotherapy or radiation therapy is required to treat the cancer.
Freezing Sperm Before Treatment
Before starting any planned treatment that may impact fertility—such as an orchiectomy or cancer therapy (chemotherapy or radiation)—men are advised to freeze their sperm (sperm banking). Sperm freezing is a precautionary measure to ensure that reproduction remains possible after treatment. The process is simple and straightforward:
Preparation: The man is usually referred to a specialized laboratory or clinic that handles sperm preservation.
Sperm Collection: The man provides a semen sample, which is then processed in the lab. In some cases, multiple samples may be needed over time to ensure an adequate quantity of sperm.
Cryopreservation: The processed sperm are frozen and stored in special, secure containers for long-term preservation.
How Long Can Frozen Sperm Be Stored?
Frozen sperm can be stored for many years, which means that even long after cancer treatment, men may still have the opportunity to start a family. Once treatment is complete and fertility has stabilized, the frozen sperm can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive techniques.
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