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What increases the chances of developing testicular cancer?

Risk factors for testicular cancer include: undescended testes (cryptorchidism) - this increases the cancer risk, especially if it is not corrected by childhood; family history - having a brother or father with testicular cancer; genetic conditions - such as Klinefelter's syndrome and Down syndrome, can significantly increase the risk; inflammation of the testes (orchitis) - a rare form of mumps affecting the testes, and; ethnicity - the risk of testicular cancer is highest in Caucasian men.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the testicles (testes).

What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?

The symptoms of testicular cancer include: a painless lump or swelling in a testicle; a heavy-feeling scrotum; a testicle that feels hard or rough-textured; ache in the affected testicle, or lower abdomen, and; enlarged or tender breast tissue.

What causes testicular cancer?

The cause of testicular cancer, as with other cancers, is damage to cellular DNA. This damage results in uncontrolled cell growth, which leads to the formation of a tumour.

How is testicular cancer diagnosed?

A tentative diagnosis is made from a physical examination, blood tests and scans, such as ultrasound and CTs. A definitive diagnosis can only be made with the surgical removal of the affected testicle.

How is testicular cancer treated?

If detected before it has spread outside the testes, testicular cancer can be treated with surgical removal of the testes. If it has spread, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and additional surgery may be needed.

Can testicular cancer be cured?

If it is caught before it has spread outside of the testicle, testicular cancer can be cured by surgically removing the affected testicle. However, there is no guarantee the cancer will not develop later in the other testicle.

What is the outlook for testicular cancer?

Prognosis of testicular cancer varies according to its type and stage, but it is generally very good. In Australia, as of 2010, the overall five-year survival rate for testicular cancer at the point of diagnosis is 98%. For those who survive the …

Are there different types of testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer can be categorised based upon the type of cell it originates from. The types of testicular cancer include germ cell tumours, such as seminomas and non-seminomas, stromal tumours and other cancers from other areas of the body …

Can testicular cancer be prevented?

Testicular cancer cannot be prevented. Also, there are no routine screening tests for testicular cancer. Regular self-examination of the testes and getting acquainted with the way they normally feel may help you to detect any changes.

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About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 07 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 18 May 2018
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Votes: 469 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Prostate cancer

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