Testicular cancer affects the testicles. The testicles or testes are the sex glands of the male. These are located at the back of the penis and is contained in a loose skin the serves as a pouch known as the scrotum. It is in the testes where the sperms are produced and stored. Other than that, it is also the source of male hormones responsible for the development of the secondary male sex characteristics.

The cancer can affect either one or both of the testes. In this case, the cells in the testes mutate and become malignant. Testicular cancer is very rare but at the same time treatable. Here is basic information that might help you understand this disease or condition better.

1. Risk Factors

People who have the following conditions are at risk to developing testicular cancer.

a.. Genetics

Males that have a family history of testicular cancer is said to have an increased risk of developing the condition all the more if it is his brother or father.

b. Age and Race

Testicular cancer seems to be more common in males ages 13-34 and is more prevalent in white males

c. Cryptorchidism

This is a condition wherein the testis fails to descend into the scrotum. Men who possess undescended testis have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer.

2. Manifestations

The typical signs and symptoms of testicular cancer are:

a. abnormal changes in the testicle

b. fluid inside the scrotum

c. body aches in areas such as the lower abdomen, the back and the groin

d. bumps and lumps in the testes

3. Diagnosing Testicular Cancer

Basing the diagnosis on the symptoms alone is not enough since some of the symptoms can also be found in other conditions. In cases when the symptoms are not definitive additional laboratory tests are required.

a. Blood Works

A sample of your blood will be drawn and it will be tested for the presence of cancer markers. The presence of any of these markers in your blood may indicate a tumor.

b. Ultrasound

An ultrasound is performed to create a visual representation of the testes. With an ultrasound image the doctor can determine the composition of the tumor.

c. Testicular Biopsy

A tissue sample of your testes is removed. With the sample they will examine and evaluate it for any abnormal cell growth.

4. Treatment

For a cancer treatment to work it has to be aggressive. There are times when one treatment modality is paired with another to ensure success. The treatments for testicular cancer are more or less the same with prostatic cancer.

a. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of anti-cancer drugs are. These drugs are very potent and are made especially to kill cancer cells. The downside for this treatment is that by killing the cancer cells the normal cells are affected as well. These drugs are administered through intravenous infusion.

b. Surgery

The removal of a testicle is surgically termed as radical inguinal orchiectomy. Surgical removal of a testicle is usually performed to prevent the cancer cells from spreading and affecting other parts of the body.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable as compared to other cancers so in case you discovered something out of the ordinary while palpating it would be best to seek professional help immediately. By seeing a doctor as soon as possible you will know the necessary steps to take in case you are diagnosed with this form of cancer.