Testicular cancer history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
|
Testicular cancer Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Testicular cancer history and symptoms On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Testicular cancer history and symptoms |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Testicular cancer history and symptoms |
Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.
Overview
The nature of any palpated lump in the scrotum is evaluated by scrotal ultrasound, which can determine exact location, size, and some characteristics of the lump, such as cystic vs solid, uniform vs heterogeneous, sharply circumscribed or poorly defined. The extent of the disease is evaluated by CT scans, which are used to locate metastases. Blood tests are also used to identify and measure tumor markers that are specific to testicular cancer. The diagnosis is made by performing an orchiectomy, surgical excision of the entire testis along with attached structures epididymis and spermatic cord; the resected specimen is evaluated by a pathologist. A biopsy should not be performed, as it raises the risk of migrating cancer cells into the scrotum. The reason why inguinal orchiectomy is the preferred method is that the lymphatic system of the scrotum links to the lower extremities and that of the testicle links to the retroperitoneum. A transscrotal biopsy or orchiectomy will potentially leave cancer cells in the scrotum and create two vectors for cancer spread, while in an inguinal orchiectomy only the retroperitoneal route exists.
Because testicular cancer is curable (stage I can have a success rate of >95%) when detected early, experts recommend regular monthly testicular self-examination after a hot shower or bath, when the scrotum is looser. Men should examine each testicle, feeling for pea-shaped lumps.
History
Symptoms
Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- A lump in one testis or a hardening of one of the testicles
- Pain and tenderness in the testicles
- Loss of sexual activity
- Build-up of fluid in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- An increase, or significant decrease, in the size of one testis
- Blood in semen [2]
Men should report any of these to a doctor as soon as possible.