Testicular cancer overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Testicular cancer Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Testicular cancer overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Testicular cancer overview |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Testicular cancer overview |
Overview
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system.
In the United States, about 8,000 to 9,000 diagnoses of testicular cancer are made each year. Over his lifetime, a man's risk of testicular cancer is roughly 1 in 250 (four tenths of one percent, or 0.4%). It is most common among males aged 15-40 years, particularly those in their mid-twenties. Testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers: in excess of 90%; essentially 100% if it is not malignant. Even for the relatively few cases in which malignant cancer has spread widely, chemotherapy offers a cure rate of at least 85% today. Not all lumps on the testicles are tumors, and not all tumors are malignant; there are many other conditions such as Epididymal cysts, Hydatid of Morgagni, and so on which may be painful but are non-cancerous. It should be emphasized however that all unusual lumps or pain in the testicles should be checked by a doctor immediately.
Famous survivors
- Decorated cyclist Lance Armstrong
- In 1997, figure-skater Scott Hamilton
- Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox third baseman was diagnosed during spring training of his rookie year.
- Christopher Arena, National Basketball Association and co-founder of ArenaTilton Golf
- Hockey player Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins, diagnosed during his rookie season in 2006-07