The testicles are an organ in the male reproductive system that are responsible for making sperm and helping them mature. They also are involved in the production of hormones, particularly androgens (such as testosterone) as well as estrogen. When cells in the testes begin to grow abnormally quickly, it can lead to testicular cancer. As the cancer gets worse, it becomes what is known as "advanced" testicular cancer.
Systemic Symptoms
As testicular cancer progresses, it can take a toll on the body as a whole. Cancer cells grow very rapidly, which can lead to them using up a large portion of the body's energy. This can cause patients to feel abnormally fatigued or tired. Some patients also experience sudden and unexplained weight loss. The cancer cells also affect the immune system, which can lead to a sudden fever developing, as well as chills or unexplained body aches. Patients may also experience nausea or vomiting as a result of the sudden changes occurring in their body.
Hormonal Symptoms
The testicles are also the site where certain hormones are secreted. As a result, advanced testicular cancer can also cause hormonal imbalances. One kind of testicular cancer (which, according to the American Cancer Society is the most common form) can secrete a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, which can cause gynecomastia (a condition which causes the breasts to become large and tender). Other kinds of testicular cancer (that arise from a kind of cell known as Leydig cells) can secrete estrogen, which can also cause gynecomastia.
Metastatic Symptoms
One of the most dangerous aspects of testicular cancer is that it can spread beyond the testes to other parts of the body, which is a process known as metastasis. When advanced testicular cancer metastasizes, it can cause pain and dysfunction of whatever tissue to which it has spread. According to the "Journal Of the American Medical Association", metastatic testicular cancer often spreads to the lungs, where it can cause lung pain, difficulty breathing and a cough (which may be bloody). Testicular cancer can also spread throughout the abdomen, where it can cause pain (either in the abdomen or in the back) and intestinal blockage.
