Diagnosing Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a condition in which the cells present in one or both the testicles become cancerous and turn malignant in nature.

Testicular cancer is largely categorized into two forms: seminoma and non-seminoma. Seminomas constitute nearly 40% of all recorded testicular cancers. Non-seminomas are a set of cancers that comprise of choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma and yolk sac tumors. Testicular cancer might constitute a grouping of both the forms.Many men are able to identify their own testicular cancers. During the course of a regular physical examination, the doctor would usually examine the testicles for any dubious signs. In-between routine examinations, if one observes anything doubtful and abnormal about the testicles, then one needs to promptly seek medical advice.

Testicular Cancer Symptoms:

• Presence of lump or swelling noted in either of the testicles that is painless.
• Testicles might become enlarged or a difference could be sensed in the way it feels.
• A heavy feeling in the scrotum.
• A dulling pain felt in the lower part of the abdomen or the groin region.
• An abrupt fluid accumulation in the scrotum.
• Painful or discomforting sensation in the scrotum.

Diagnosis & Tests:

A general evaluation of the man’s overall health condition is conducted to decipher the reason behind the occurrence of the symptoms. The doctor would additionally carry out a physical examination and might instruct to go in for laboratory and analytical tests. If a tumor is doubted, then the doctor would possibly suggest an ultrasound. On detection of a tumor the next course of treatment is its removal.

• Blood Analysis – A blood test is conducted for measurement of the levels of tumor markers which are substances observed in greater than normal levels in the presence of cancer. In testicular cancer the tumor markers comprise of beta human chrionic gonadotropin hormone or B-HCG; alpha-fetoprotein – a form of blood protein noted in adults that have certain forms of cancer and LDH or lactate dehydrogenase that is a protein that is noted to be in elevated levels due to cancer.
• Ultrasound – An analytical testing procedure wherein high-frequency sound waves are rebounded off internal organs and tissues. The echoes generated in the process are used in producing an image known as a sonogram. An ultrasound done on the scrotum could reveal the occurrence and the extent of the mass present in the testicle. It additionally aids in excluding any other conditions like a swelling that is infection-derived.
• Biopsy – A decision to remove the testicles is taken on the basis of the outcome of the physical exam, blood analysis and ultrasound of the dubious testicular tumor.

In mostly all doubtful testicular cancer cases through the procedure known as inguinal orchiectomy, the complete testicle that has malignant growth is eliminated via an incision made in the groin region. In atypical situations where in the patient has merely a single testicle, the surgeon would conduct an inguinal biopsy during which a tissue sample is taken from the testicle via a slit made in the groin region and would proceed with orchiectomy solely if cancer cells are detected. The surgeon does not incise through the scrotum for removing the tissue because if the offender is cancer then this method could cause metastasis of the disease.

Popularity: 28% [?]