Testicular Cancer Now Common Among Young Men, Doctor Warns: Here Are Its Signs And Symptoms

Testicular cancer can be effectively treated if it is detected early. Find out all about it here.

Sometimes, testicular cancer is associated with dull ache or dragging pain. (Photo: Freepik)

One of the less-talked-about cancers in men is testicular cancer, which is more widespread than you would have thought. It is believed that testicular cancer affects younger men more these days. This type of cancer affects the testicles, also known as testes, and it happens when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the testicles and form tumours. Dr Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala, of the department of uro-oncology and robotics at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad says these cancers usually affect youngsters. "It is the most common cancer affecting young adults these days," the doctor points out.

According to Dr Rajesh, these cancers stem from germ cells (precursors of spermatozoa). "There are two main types: seminoma and non-seminoma. Seminoma usually occurs in men between the ages of 25 and 45 years, while non-seminomas are common in teenagers. This is the obvious reason to be well informed about this cancer," the doctor advises.

Testicular Cancer Risk Factors

There is another good reason to know about this cancer, says Dr Rajesh. "The tumours are usually curable if detected early. Watch out for the following risk factors:

• Undescended testis: Development of the testis occurs inside the abdomen of the fetus. Later, it descends into the scrotum during birth. If the descent is hampered, it leads to undescended testis that increases the risk of germ cells turning into cancer due to the incompatible location.
• Family history: A family history of testis cancer in the father or sibling, who sometimes have cancer in one testicle, increases the likelihood of developing the cancer in the other testicle.
• Infertility: Infertility is also associated with the risk of developing cancer in the testis.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms?

Here are some signs and symptoms of testicular cancer:

1. Testicular enlargement or lump in the testis.
2. Sometimes it is associated with dull ache or dragging pain.
3. Rarely, lax hydrocele (fluid accumulation in the scrotum around the testis) can co-exist.
4. A lump in the abdomen or swelling in the neck can be a sign of lymphatic spread inside the tummy in later stages.
5. It can spread to the neck nodes, especially on the left side above the collarbone.

How To Detect Early?

See your urologist in case of the above risks or signs, and get an ultrasound scan of the scrotum to rule out testicular tumours. The doctor recommends testicular tumour markers such as alpha-fetoprotein, beta HCG and lactate dehydrogenase.

What Are The Treatment Options Available?

Once detected, treatment starts with:

• Surgical removal of cancer in the affected testis via groin incision;
• Microscopic examination to confirm the cancer type (seminoma or nonseminoma).
• Testis-sparing surgery is considered in selective cases.
• Chemotherapy is recommended for nodal spread with or without surgical removal of abdominal nodes.