The testicles contain a number of specialized cell types that help maintain normal hormone levels in men, as well as generate and support sperm development to allow for fertility. Genetic mutations to cells within the testicle can cause enhanced cell division and eventually lead to testicular cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, testicular cancer caused 350 deaths and lead to almost 8,500 new cancer diagnoses in the United States in 2009. Once diagnosed, testicular cancer is staged according to the characteristics and invasiveness of the tumor, and advanced testicular cancer may prove fatal.
Stage IIC
Stage IIC develops once testicular cancer cells have migrated into lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis. Lymph nodes are small structures found throughout the entire body that help make up the immune system. As testicular cancer develops, tumor cells from the initial tumor in the testicle begin to migrate, and eventually grow within surrounding lymph nodes. Stage IIC occurs when cancer growth within the lymph nodes has lead to significant lymph node swelling from a number size of under 0.75 in. to over 2 in. in diameter, according to CancerHelp UK. Patients with Stage IIC testicular cancer may require treatment to surgically remove lymph nodes in the abdomen and pelvis in an attempt to remove cancer cells.
Stage III
Stage III testicular cancer develops when cancer cells begin to colonize lymph nodes in other areas of the body, such as lymph nodes throughout the chest or above the collarbone, reports CancerHelp UK. Lymph nodes within the body are connected by lymph vessels, which help move lymph fluid towards the heart. Cancer cells in lymph nodes in the pelvis or abdomen can enter the lymph vessels and travel up towards the chest to colonize in lymph nodes closer to the heart. As lymph nodes within the chest grow, testicular cancer patients may notice chest pain, as the swollen lymph nodes press against neighboring organs. If left untreated or undetected, the cancer will progress into metastatic testicular cancer.
Stage IV
Stage IV testicular cancer develops when cancer cells colonize in one or more distant organs throughout the body. Cancer cells from the testicular tumor may travel to distant organs through the lymphatic system, or the cells may enter blood vessels and circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream. Testicular cancer commonly spreads to the lungs, spine, or organs within the abdominal cavity, according to MedLine Plus. Patients with metastatic testicular cancer may require chemotherapy to target and kill cancer cells in the testicles, lymph nodes and distant organs simultaneously.
