Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men, and mostly affects males aged between 20 and 40 years. Read more about testicular cancer here.
What Is Testicular Cancer?
The testes comprise primitive cells that mature to become cells that make sperm (spermatozoa), which are important in sexual reproduction. There are also supporting cells that make enzymes and other fluid that enable the sperm to function properly. These primitive cells may become cancerous. Such tumours are called testicular germ cell cancers.
How Common Is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer represents only about one percent to two percent of all cancers in males, but is one of the most common cancers in young men.
Age of Onset
Testicular cancer occurs predominantly in males aged 20 years to 40 years.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Typically, patients present to their doctor with a painless lump in one or both testes. Occasionally, there may be a heavy or aching sensation in the testes. In advanced cancer, other symptoms may be present. For example, if cancer has spread to the lungs, there may be shortness of breath.
Causes of Testicular Cancer and Risk Factors
Males who have a history of undescended testes (testes that did not descend to lie in the scrotum during development) have a much higher chance of developing testicular cancer. Other risk factors include history of testicular cancer in the other testis and family history of testicular cancer.
Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer
Ultrasonography of the testes will locate and delineate the size of the testicular lump.
Blood tests are taken for tumour markers comprising of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and occasionally, the brain, is also performed to find out the extent of cancer.
Testicular cancers may be seminomas or non-seminomatous germ cell tumours, depending on what cell type is found at examination of the cancer under the microscope. An orchidectomy (removal of the testis) or biopsy is done to obtain the diagnosis.
Treatment for Testicular Cancer
Treatment for testicular cancer involves orchidectomy to remove the affected testis if the cancer is localised. If there is advanced cancer, orchidectomy may be done after chemotherapy in order to shrink the tumour first. Following surgery for early testicular cancer, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required to reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy is used if there is advanced cancer involving other organs such as the lungs or liver. Side effects of chemotherapy which are injected into veins include temporary nausea and vomiting, mouth ulcers, hair loss, loss of appetite, and tiredness.
Prognosis for Testicular Cancer
Clinical examinations, scans and pathology reports all help the medical team decide what is the stage of the germ cell tumour. The appropriate course of treatment may then be recommended. The treatment strategy will vary from person to person. The prognosis for testicular cancer is generally very good, and depends on the extent of the disease, the state of health of the individual, as well as response to treatment.
With appropriate treatment, cure rates of up to 80 percent have been reported even for patients with advanced testicular germ cell tumour. Patients with early-stage testicular cancer have reported cure rates of more than 95 percent with appropriate treatment. Close monitoring of blood markers, together with radiological assessment, is essential to detect early recurrence of cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
I Have Had a Lump in My Testis For a While. It is Not Painful.
Testicular cancer is usually not painful. If there is a lump, seek early medical attention. Although it may not be cancerous, it is better to have it checked.
I Have Only One Testis. Do I Still Have to Check for Testicular Cancer?
Yes. Normally, two testes are formed in the embryo, which descend before birth to lie in the scrotum. Occasionally, one or both testes do not descend. There is a higher chance of cancer developing in undescended testes. Therefore, it is advisable to seek early medical attention. Surgery may be required to bring the testis back into the scrotum.
Will Cancer Treatment for Testicular Cancer Affect My Ability to Have Children in the Future? How Can This Be Mitigated?
Yes, fertility will be affected by chemotherapy, and as such your physician will likely refer you to a reproductive clinic for cryopreservation of your sperm to be used at a later stage after treatment, should the need arise.
In partnership with
Copyright © Ministry of Health Singapore. All rights reserved.
Follow us
