It is the commonest genital related cancer in men and is usually seen in men between the age of 18 and 40 years. It is commoner in Caucasian (White) than Black. Testicular cancer is highly curable.
CLINICAL FEATURES
The commonest clinical presentation is- painless testicular swelling. The swelling is irregular, firm, fixed, and does not trans illuminate.
RISK FACTORS FOR TESTICULAR CANCER
Things that could make you have testicular cancer:
1. Infertility
2. Undescended testis
3. Family history of testicular cancer
4. Exposure to diethylstilbesterol in utero
DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION
Before your doctor diagnose you of cancer of testes following clinical examination, he must have requested for the following investigations:
Testicular ultrasound scan
Serum alpha-fetoprotein and
Serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin
TREATMENT
Depending on the stage at presentation in the hospital, treatment options include:
Orchidectomy
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
HOW TO EXAMINE TESTES
The best time to examine testes is during or after bath during which time the scrotum is relaxed.
Step by step guide:
- To examine each testicle separately, hold your penis out of the way.
- Hold each testicle between your thumb and fingers with both hands and roll it gently between your fingers.
- Look and feel for any hard lump or nodules or any change in the size, shape or consistency.
FURTHER READING:
American Cancer Society
Dr. Adeyemo Olusola is a medical graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria along with certificate in advanced diploma in Principles of Nutrition, Management and Leadership, Dublin and Certificate in Global Health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In addition to his numerous certifications, he is a certified Telemedicine Physician from Harvard Medical School, USA. He is an avid reader of books from different oases of life, expert in data analysis. “So many a time, I have seen people die avoidable death because of lack of knowledge or information, falling victim of fate. There is then a necessity laid on us to help arm our society to the teeth, as a healthy society cannot be detached from an informed one. Hence, there is need for healthgist.net. We hope you will have a wonderful stay on our website.”
