When compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is relatively rare but is still the most common cancer found in males between 15 and 34 years of age. However, it is important to note that cancer of the testicle can develop in males of any age, including infants and elderly men.
Regular testicular self-examinations are one of the best methods to help identify abnormal growths and irregularities in the scrotal area and can give the best chance of a positive clinical outcome. Testicular cancer is effectively treated and often cured even when the cancer has spread beyond the testicle.
Cancers generally have many different risk factors. For example, the number of sexual partners can contribute to the development of cervical cancers. Smoking impairs ones immune system and promotes the development of a variety of cancers including lung, brain and breast cancers. A diet that is high preservatives, nitrates and food colorings can increase one’s risk of stomach cancers.
It’s important to note that testicular cancers have fewer risk factors than other cancers thus highlighting the importance of testicular self-exams and education. Men who develop lumps, swelling or pain in the groin should schedule an appointment with their doctors right away.
Risk factors for testicular cancer
Family history is one of the greatest risk factors for the development of testicular cancer but it also has its limitations. The cancer risk is highest if a family member such as one’s father, brothers or sons has the condition as well. Scientists are also researching the link between testicular cancer and one’s lifestyle because it appears to be more common today than in previous generations.
One of the major physical risk factors is a condition called undescended testicle(s). During a child’s development in the mother’s womb, testicles are located near the base of the child’s spine. Before birth, the testicles descend into the scrotum. Certain complications can prevent this testicular descent and even cause them to get stuck in the child’s groin area. Undescended testicles are commonly diagnosed immediately after birth.
Undescended testicles are relatively common and occur in 1 in 33 boys. Men who have an undescended testicle(s) are more likely to get testicular cancer than those with normally descended testicles according to many healthcare professionals. However, some doctors say that undescended testicles do not cause cancer but merely contribute other factors that do cause the condition.
Researchers are also looking at the link between testicular cancer and one’s immune system. This is particularly important when it comes to immune compromising conditions such as HIV and AIDS. The results, although not conclusive, indicated HIV infected men have higher rates of testicular cancer than those who were not. No other infections have shown to increase the risk of testicular cancer. Other notable findings include testicular cancer is 5 times more common in white versus black men.
Symptoms of testicular cancer
The most common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include irregular lumps, hard nodules, swelling and pain that can be connected to nausea and vomiting. Testicular cancer is just one possible cause of these symptoms as they can also be associated with infections and injuries.
A major symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump on one or both of the testicles. Severe pain is rare but in some cases the lump is uncomfortable to the touch. The testicle can be enlarged and swollen without a lump in certain cases as well. The important factor is to be able to compare one testicle to the other.
Normal testicles contain blood vessels, supporting tissues and tubes that carry sperm. All these structures can feel lumpy and one can easily confuse these structures with cancer.
Testicular cancer that has spread from the testis can also cause belly and low back pain. It’s also possible for testicular cancer to spread to the lungs and cause a persistent cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Lung involvement can also provide a direct link to one’s brain and cause headaches and confusion.
Testicular self-exams
Regularly checking the health of one’s testicles is an important part of one’s overall health and wellbeing. It’s clearly a personal and sensitive subject that most men will ignore. However, early detection is significantly better than late detection when it comes to any form of cancer.
Men are advised to educate themselves on the subject and do monthly self-exams as a reference point to be able to compare size, shape and inconsistencies over a long period of time. Men with risk factors such as a family history, a previous bout of testicular cancer or an undescended testicle should do self-checks on a regular basis. If a lump is found, see a doctor right away.
How to do a testicular self-exam
The testicular self-exam is best performed after a warm bath or shower. Heat relaxes the scrotum and the skin is relaxed thus making it easier to identify anything abnormal. If possible, stand in front of a mirror and check for any abnormal swelling.
Hold the penis out of the way and check one testicle at a time. Hold the testicle between the thumbs and fingers of both hands and gently glide it between the fingers. Try feeling for any hard lumps, irregular nodules or any changes in size, shape and consistency.
One shouldn’t feel any pain when doing the self-exam. Also, don’t be alarmed if one testicle seems slightly larger or lower than the other, that’s normal. As mentioned previously, it’s important to know the normal feeling of the blood vessels, supporting tissues and the tubes that transport sperm away from the testicles. Lumps that are on or attached to these structures are not commonly cancerous.
Non-cancerous conditions such as infections and injuries can cause swelling on and around a testicle. Let a doctor know if there’s any swelling, lumps or changes in the size or color of a testicle, or if one has any pain or achy areas in the groin. It’s also important to think, identify and document any possible causes of the symptoms such as an injury when preforming a self-exam. This will allow one to effectively communicate with a doctor at an appointment.
Testicular self-exams generally have low rates of compliance because males have a form of psychological aversion and perception that nothing is ever wrong with them. However, education and public awareness will go a long way in the prevention and early detection of testicular cancer. When in doubt, have it checked.
Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
Very dissappointed on these comments on a very important medical topic . It shows the level of ignorance of our people. DNO and it’s like also to blame for constantly promoting the bad/criminal aspect of our society and not writing more uplifting pieces of out Society.
Ignorance is Bliss! this is a very informative article. what are we talking about children reading DNO? did you see the age “15-35” The same people who takes everything for a joke, are the same people,who come to you with a sponsor sheet seeking help for cancer. Do you know that most breast cancers are found by self examination in the shower? This is serious young people! be aware. Men please do your self examination, and don’t forget to check your breast too.
But this is not a balls pic ? That I saying to. Can this be done while making love ?
There is time for making love and there is time for serious body exam.
Some people love hiding behind pen name to do mischief. Great article. Dominica is small.
I support the views expressed above. They make sense.
Are you in DNO encouraging masturbation? I think this article is in very poor taste and at least you should have rated it.
What is our country coming to ? Kids also read DNO also. I am quite shocked at this. Please delete. We as adults have to protect the next generation.
Whats wrong with the article…… The next generation are more advanced than you…..
Do tell your man
Go gwencock you can seek my services in this regard but the man can do this on his own. There is no need to get any woman involved in this issue. DNO must be commended on this presentation and I hope the man are reading this.
can my woman do this for me also
very interesting hope all my brothes out their read carefully.
Also you might want to check for prostate cancer…just insert two finger up yuh bamsee ;-)
This is an interesting twist but our people might call you nasty for so doing. But our G-Spot is located right there and when stimulated…I cannot say. LOL !