Testicular cancer accounts for only 1 percent of all tumors found in males. However, it is the most common malignancy among men aged 15 to 35 years. It is divided into seminomatous and non-seminomatous tumors, which affect the 25- to 45-year-old age group and the 15- to 30-year-old age group, respectively. According to the National Cancer Institute, there were 8,480 new cases of testicular cancer in U.S. in 2010.
Risk Factors
Although risk factors for testicular cancer are largely unknown, according to an article published in the "American Family Physician," you have a greater chance of developing it if you have a history of undescended testis that persisted beyond the age of 6. White men are more likely to develop testicular cancer, and the risk factor goes up if you have a family history of testicular cancer. In a study published in the journal "Epidemiology," researchers found that tobacco smoke exposure to the fetus of pregnant women who smoke increases the risk of undescended testes, which further increases the risk of testicular cancer in their male offspring.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a manual examination of the testicular area, after which he will further do an ultrasonograph to confirm his diagnosis. Final diagnosis and local control are both achieved by surgical removal of the affected testis.
Weight Loss and Other Symptoms
Weight loss is a relatively late symptom of testicular cancer. If you experience any testicular swelling, whether painless or painful, you should consult your health care provider, especially if you're in the age group of 15 to 45 years.
Some men may also develop symptoms like an increase in breast size, back or flank pain and infertility. In advanced cases of testicular cancer, men may complain of shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up blood in the sputum.
A decrease in appetite, weight loss and a general decline in health are common for most cancers and do not hold any specific significance for testicular cancer. If you experience an unintentional weight loss of more than 10 percent of your body weight over the past 6 months, you should consult with your doctor.
If You Experience Weight Loss
Weight loss can be caused by the cancer itself, or side effects of the chemotherapy. It may be also be due to the stress and worry that tends to increase during this period. You can manage weight loss by changing the way you usually eat. Instead of waiting to feel hungry, eat small amounts of food five to six times a day. Eat foods rich in protein and calories. If you do not feel like eating solids, try drinking soups, milkshakes and smoothies made with protein-fortified milk. If you still experience weight loss, talk to a dietitian, who can give you ideas to maintain or regain your weight. You may also consider tube feedings if you are not able to eat solid food.
If excessive nausea and vomiting cause a decline in your appetite, consult with your doctor, who can prescribe you anti-emetics to help you eat better.
Treatment and Recovery
The mainstay of treatment of testicular cancer, according to research by Dr. RH Jones published in "The Lancet," is orchiectomy or removal of the affected testis. It is often accompanied by doses of radiation. If the cancer has spread, surgery to remove the affected lymph nodes may be required, followed by chemotherapy.
There is an 85 percent cure rate for testicular cancer, which indicates a very good chance of survival if a patient seeks treatment in the early stages of the disease. Therefore an immediate medical consultation is recommended if you notice any lump or swelling in your testes. If you are aged 14 and above, a monthly Testicular Self-Examination as advised by the American Cancer Society is highly recommended.
References
- National Cancer Institute; Testicular Cancer Treatment PDQ
- Medline Plus: Testicular Cancer, Diagnosis/Symptoms
- "Schwartz Principles of Surgery"; F. Charles Brunicardi; 2008
- "American Family Physician"; Testicular Cancer; Scott Kinkade; May 1999
- "The Lancet Oncology"; Part I: Testicular Cancer---management of Early Disease; Robert H. Jones; December 2003
