Testicular Cancer Urologist - Dr. Angelo Gousse, MD
Testicular cancer is the abnormal fast growth of cells in the testicles, particularly the cells responsible for sperm production. The good news is that most men don’t get testicular cancer because it is a rare condition. But for those men who do get it, the symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and frustrating.
The medical community still doesn’t have a clear understanding of what causes testicular cancer. However, many urologists and medical experts believe that men with undescended testicles or Klinefelter’s Syndrome have a greater chance of getting testicular cancer.
Most men with testicular cancer only experience abnormal cell growth in one testicle. The common symptoms of testicular cancer include back pain, testicle pain, breast enlargement, tender breasts, groin aches, abdominal aches, heavy scrotum, enlarged testicle, and lumpy testicle.
Testicular Cancer Testing
It may be possible to self-diagnose testicular cancer if you feel lumps on your testicles or experience any testicle pain or discomfort. Of course, it is always better to have a urologist perform a thorough examination of your testicles to see whether they find lumps or other signs of cancer. Some of their examination methods may include:
Ultrasound
A testicular ultrasound utilizes the power of sound waves to develop an image of your testicles and scrotum. First, the urologist will make you lie flat on your back and spread your legs. Then, they will place a gel solution on your scrotum. It is similar to how gel is placed on a pregnant woman’s belly when the doctor shows her an ultrasound of her baby.
The testicular ultrasound allows the urologist to see any visible lumps inside or outside your testicles and whether they are solid lumps or filled with fluid. All of this information is vital for diagnosing testicular cancer accurately.
Blood Tests
A blood test may be required to see if your blood has excessive amounts of tumor markers. It is usual for these proteins to exist in the blood, but too many of them could signify cancer. Although a high level of tumor markers doesn’t always mean you have cancer, it will undoubtedly prompt additional testing by your urologist.
Testicular Cancer Treatment
If the two tests above show signs of testicular cancer, your urologist will discuss your treatment options with you. The specific treatment options depend on the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, and your overall health status.
Here are the most popular treatment options for testicular cancer:
Radical Inguinal Orchiectomy
Radical inguinal orchiectomy is a combination of a surgical procedure and a test. If the urologist detects a lump outside your testicle, they will want to remove the testicle with surgery and test it for cancerous activity. This comprehensive examination of the testicle will make it easier for urologists to determine the type of testicular cancer present.
The removed testicle will get replaced with a prosthetic testicle. If your other testicle shows no signs of cancer, you should only need one prosthetic testicle. After that, you should remain cancer-free. Just make sure you get the surgery before the cancerous cells in the lump have a chance to spread to your other testicle.
Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is the second type of surgical treatment for testicular cancer. It is where the urologist removes the lymph nodes next to the testicles by making an incision through your abdomen. This procedure requires accurate precision so that none of the nerves surrounding your lymph nodes are damaged.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy transmits high energy levels precisely into the cancer cells to kill them. Some urologists like to use radiation therapy on patients after their testicle has been removed surgically. This would ensure that no traces of cancer cells remain.
After getting radiation therapy, you may experience some side effects like fatigue, nausea, skin irritation, and skin redness. These side effects are expected and will go away over time.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs and medications to eliminate cancer cells from the testicles. Unfortunately, there is a greater risk of side effects like nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and infertility. Your urologist will discuss the risks with you in greater detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average age range for men who get testicular cancer?
You’d be surprised to learn that younger men between 20 and 35 years of age are the most likely to get testicular cancer. However, it can still form in older men too.
Does testicular cancer cause men to be sterile?
No, testicular cancer doesn’t typically cause infertility in men. But what it can do is reduce their sperm count, making it more difficult to conceive a child.
Contact Us
Do you think you have testicular cancer? The safest option would be to get tested at Gousse Urology immediately. Call (954) 362-2720 to make your appointment as early as possible. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can stop the spread of cancer if it is present in your testicles.
