Testicular Cancer Stages

According to the Testicular Cancer Resource Center, there are four testicular cancer stages. Familiarizing yourself with these stages will give you an idea of how far along you might be prior to diagnosis by a licensed physician. Of course, the earlier testicular cancer stage you are at, the better the prognosis will be for treatment. Even if you are further along than you’d like to be however, don’t worry, as there is a 90 percent success rate for treatments for this type of cancer available in the United States.

1. Stage One. This testicular cancer stage is when the cancer is localized in the testis and has not spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms can include a lump in the testes, a heavy feeling in the scrotum and a pain in the lower abdomen.
2. Stage Two. The second testicular cancer stage refers to the point when the cancer has moved beyond the testis and also involves a metastasis to the retroperitoneal and/or the Paraaortic lymph nodes. Additional symptoms can include lower back pain and a swelling of the breasts.
3. Stage Three. Testicular cancer stage three refers to the cancer being at stage two, with the additional attributes of having either bulky or non-bulky attributes. The symptoms are nearly identical to testicular cancer stage two.
4. Stage Four. The fourth testicular cancer stage includes the above attributes with the addition of liver and/or lung secondaries. Additional symptoms might include respiratory problems, including a persistent cough, coughing up blood or shortness of breath.