What Is Testicular Cancer

By: Zach Feral

Break Studios Contributing Writer

As a guy, you would be well advised to educate yourself on what is testicular cancer. Testicular cancer that affects approximately 7,500 to 8,000 men in the United States each year and is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 40.

  1. Signs and Symptoms. One of the main symptoms of testicular cancer is a lump in the testes. Another signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include an ache in the lower abdomen or scrotum, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, breast enlargements, lower back pain, shortness of breath and a lump in the neck.
  2. Diagnosis. Anyone showing symptoms of testicular cancer should make their way immediately to their physician for diagnosis. The lump in the testes will be examined through a scrotal ultrasound. Blood tests are also taken to identify the type of testicular cancer.
  3. Treatment. Chemotherapy has been used to cure 85 percent of all cases of testicular cancer in the United States. Another common treatment procedure is known as Orchiectomy, in which the cancerous testicle is removed surgically. Radiation therapy can be used to treat stage two testicular cancer.
  4. Prognosis. More than 90 percent of all cases of testicular cancer are cured, making it one of the easiest forms of cancer to get rid of. Even in the case that the testicle has been removed, a man with one testicle can still lead to a normal life in terms of fertility. Men who lose both testicles will be infertile and have to take hormone supplements, but will otherwise be able to live normal lives.
Posted on: Nov. 06, 2010