Author's details
- Hakim A Abubakre
- BA (Hons) International business management, MSc Digital Marketing.
Reviewer's details
- Dr Jibril O. Bello
- MBBS (ABU), MSc (Med. Ed., USW), FWACS (Urol.)
- University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
- Date Published: 2025-03-13
- Date Updated: 2025-03-13
Testicular Cancer
Introduction
Testicular cancer affects the testicles, which are the two small, oval-shaped organs found inside the scrotum (the loose skin bag below the penis). The testicles are responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone. Although testicular cancer is not very common, it can occur at any age. However, it mostly affects men between the ages of 15 and 49. With early detection and treatment, testicular cancer can be cured.
About 90% of testicular cancers begin in the germ cells (the cells that produce sperm), and there are two main types:
- Seminoma: A slow-growing cancer that usually affects men in their 40s and 50s.
- Non-Seminoma: A faster-growing type of cancer that typically affects younger men, particularly those in their teens, 20s, and 30s. There are four subtypes of non-seminoma: embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma.
In some cases, testicular tumors can contain both seminoma and non-seminoma cells.
Discussion
Warning Signs and Symptoms
- A lump or swelling in one or both testicles.
- Sudden fluid buildup in the scrotum / hydrocele
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
- Dull pain in the lower abdomen or groin.
- Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicle.
- Shrinking of a testicle (testicular atrophy).
- Back pain.
- Swelling or tenderness in the breast tissue (in rare cases).
Self-Care
- Regular testicular self-exam
- Healthy Diet: Eat nutritious meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise Regularly: Maintain physical activity to strengthen your body.
- Good Sleep: Ensure proper rest to boost your immune system.
- Stress Reduction: Engage in relaxing activities like meditation or talking with friends.
- Take Medication as Directed: If you are prescribed treatment, take it exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
- Support Networks: Connect with support groups or speak with others who have gone through similar experiences.
- Regular Self-Exams: Examine your testicles once a month for any lumps or changes.
- Ask Questions: Always ask your doctor or nurse about anything you don't understand about your condition.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- A lump or swelling in one or both testicles.
- Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicles.- pain in the testicles may also indicate torsion particularly in adolescents and young adults, and require urgent medication attentionÂ
- A change in size or shape of one or both testicles.
- A feeling of heaviness, firmness, or hardness in the scrotum.
Prevention
- Regular self-examination of both testiclesÂ
- Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Limit or stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep your body weight within a healthy range.
- Stay Active: Engage in daily physical activities to keep your body strong.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce processed meats and fatty foods.
Early detection and treatment are key to successfully managing testicular cancer. Regular self-exams and awareness of the signs and symptoms can help catch the disease in its early stages when it's easiest to treat.
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer-care/symptoms-causes/syc-20352986
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12183-testicular-cancer
- https://www.google.com/search?q=self+care+for+testicular+cancer&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB894GB894&oq=Self+care+for+testicular+can&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBECEYoAEyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRiPAjIHCAQQIRiPAtIBCjIzNjcwajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
- https://www.google.com/search?q=When+to+seek+medical+attention+for+testicular+cancer&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB894GB894&oq=When+to+seek+medical+attention+for+testicular+cancer&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRiPAtIBCjI0NTQ3ajBqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110570417301030https://www.google.com/search?q=prevention+of+testicular+cancer&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB894GB894&oq=Prevention+of+testicular+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDAgAEAAYQxiABBiKBTIMCAAQABhDGIAEGIoFMgYIARBFGDkyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyCAgEEAAYFhgeMggIBRAAGBYYHjIICAYQABgWGB4yCAgHEAAYFhgeMggICBAAGBYYHjIICAkQABgWGB7SAQoxMzEwNWowajE1qAIIsAIB&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
