Testicular cancer is a condition that can initially be discovered through a physical examination by a doctor or by self-examination. Very few testicular lumps are actually cancerous. Some of the tests used to determine if a lump is cancerous are a blood test, a biopsy of the lump and an imaging test, such as an MRI.
Identification
Testicular cancer is a condition where the cells that make up the testicular lining begin to divide at a greatly accelerated pace. In most cases the tumor associated with testicular cancer is not painful. You should pay attention to abnormal lumps on the testicles though because cancerous cells could spread to the rest of the body through the bloodstream.
Potential
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is the tumor. It is a noticeable lump that grows between the testicle and the skin. Not every lump found on the testicle is a tumor, but it is important to report any testicular lumps to a doctor immediately. There may also be a discomfort in the scrotum that could be a persistent pain, or it could be a feeling of the skin being drawn tighter. As the tumor grows, the testicles may begin to feel crowded in the scrotum, and this could result in discomfort while sitting.
Effects
As the symptoms advance for testicular cancer, they can become increasingly uncomfortable. The scrotum will start to develop a heavy feeling to it, and walking may begin to become uncomfortable. This heavy feeling will normally be due to fluid that collects in the scrotum which can be detected with a physical examination either by a doctor or through self-examination. A persistent and achy pain may originate in the scrotum, and then radiate throughout the pelvic region and up the back.
Considerations
Some of the very advanced symptoms of testicular cancer can reach to other parts of the body. Fatigue may begin to set in, and there may be persistent feelings of drowsiness. There could be a tenderness or swelling of the breasts, and a persistent shortness of breath may also start to develop. Coughing may begin and become chronic. The coughing may even lead to coughing up blood. As the condition advances, the testicular pain will get progressively worse.
Prevention/Solution
According to the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center's website, removing a part of the testicle, or the entire affected testicle, is a common treatment for testicular cancer. Some other treatments used are a regimen of chemotherapy medication, radiation treatment, a bone marrow transplant or a combination of any of these treatments at the discretion of the doctor.
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