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Men, unfortunately, often underestimate the condition of their testicles, putting more emphasis on the prevention of prostate cancer. Meanwhile, a simple test that you can do yourself at home can save lives and help detect testicular cancer at an early stage. What is testicular self-examination? How to conduct them?
Testicular cancer occurs when cells in the testes grow out of control to form a mass called a tumor. It is a relatively rare type of cancer, accounting for only 1 percent. all cancers occurring in men, however, compared to other cancers, it particularly affects young men aged 15 to 49 years. Anyone with a testicle can develop testicular cancer. Currently, the incidence of testicular cancer is 3-10 / 100 cases and, unfortunately, there is a tendency to increase the incidence in developed countries in Europe and North America [000].
Most testicular cancers (up to 95%) develop from germ cells that produce sperm. These tumors are referred to as germ cell tumors. There are two types of germ cell tumors: seminomas, which usually grow slowly, and non-seminomas, which tend to grow faster [2]. The remaining 5 percent. cases are non-germinal tumors, including the rare types Leydig cell tumors and Sertoli cell tumors.
Testicular cancer risk factors:
- infertility – infertile men are more likely to develop testicular cancer;
- a family history of testicular cancer – men whose brother or father have had testicular cancer are more likely to get testicular cancer; moreover, men who have had cancer in one testicle are more likely to develop cancer in the other testicle;
- cryptorchidism – in men with testicular descending disorders the risk of testicular cancer is up to 48 times higher [3];
- the presence of microcalcifications in the testicles – some studies have shown that under certain circumstances a small percentage of men with this condition can develop testicular cancer;
- post-inflammatory changes – e.g. after testicular inflammation in the course of viral parotitis;
- white race – white males are 5 to 10 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than males of other races;
- HIV infection [4] – there is evidence that in the case of people with HIV and AIDS the risk of developing testicular cancer is higher;
- sex differentiation disorders;
- Klinefelter’s syndrome, Down’s syndrome.
Take matters into your own hands! Step-by-step instructions for self-examination of the testicles
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the development of testicular cancer, but it is extremely important to detect it early by examining the testicles. Men should perform them once a month from puberty, after reaching puberty. Testicles are best examined after a warm shower or bath – the heat relaxes the scrotum skin, making it easier to detect any abnormalities [5].
Use both hands to examine the testicles. First, place your index and middle fingers under the testicles while pointing your thumbs up. Gently rotate the testicles between the fingers of both hands, from the upper pole to the lower pole. When you feel the nucleus, you can make out a string-like structure under your fingers on the back of it – this is called epididymis and seminal cord that transport and store sperm. During the test, gently press the testicles – pay attention to their structure, tenderness and try to feel any lumps and unevenness. You can read more about the test of the testicles on the website of the Do not miss the research campaign.
By monthly examining your testicles, you will get to know your body better. See your primary care physician or urologist if you notice any changes. The cure rate for testicular cancer detected at an early stage is extremely high – as high as 99%. In a huge number of cases, testicular cancer is completely treatable, even when it is advanced. It is possible thanks to modern therapies and combining various methods of treatment, including surgical treatment with chemotherapy [6].
Testicular cancer – what changes should make you see a doctor?
Normal, healthy testicles should be smooth and firm. Neither should you be concerned about their slightly different sizes or the fact that one nucleus is located lower than the other – this is perfectly normal.
In some men, testicular cancer may be asymptomatic, but typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in one testicle, or any change in the shape or texture of the testicles. The tumor may also manifest itself as pain in the scrotum (it may be the first symptom of cancer in up to 30% of patients), groin, lower abdomen or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Nipple tenderness or gynecomastia – unilateral or bilateral enlargement of the mammary glands may also be an early symptom of a tumor of the testicle producing chorionic gonadotrophin.
If you have pain, there’s a swelling or a lump in one of your testicles, see your doctor. It is worth remembering that not every abnormality is cancer. This could be, for example, orchitis, hydrocele, or an epididymal cyst. However, do not postpone the visit until later – an early diagnosis means a greater chance of a complete cure. The doctor will conduct a thorough interview and physical examination, and in case of any doubts, he or she will order an ultrasound of the testicles, which confirms the presence of tumor masses in the testicle with a sensitivity close to 100%. As part of further diagnostics, the doctor may also order other imaging and laboratory tests to analyze the level of tumor markers [6].
Don’t miss out on research!
Nationale-Nederlanden is organizing the educational campaign “Don’t miss out on research”, as part of which it encourages Polish women and Poles to self-test regularly.
As part of the campaign, we encourage you not to overnight preventive examinations and to systematically perform self-examination of your breasts or testicles. We want to encourage Polish women and Poles to develop and introduce the habit of self-examination as an important element of health prevention. It is an action that we can take on our own, here and now, to make sure that our health is fine. – explains Marta Maszewska-Danielewicz, director of marketing communication and brand at Nationale-Nederlanden.