More advanced testicular cancer can cause symptoms including low back pain, shortness of breath, coughing, stomach ache, confusion, and headaches. Sometimes testicular cancer has no symptoms and isn’t found until men happen to undergo tests for other issues, such as infertility.
How is testicular cancer treated?
If testicular cancer is detected early, it is very treatable and often totally curable. Doctors usually recommend removing the affected testicle with a surgery called orchiectomy. In some cases, testicular cancer impacts the lymph nodes near the back of the abdomen and those have to be removed as well. If cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy or radiotherapy might be prescribed.
Chemotherapy for testicular cancer uses drugs to treat the cancer once it has spread outside the testicles. It may also be used to reduce the likelihood of the cancer coming back. Radiation, which utilizes a beam of high-energy waves or particles, targets cancer in the lymph nodes, killing or slowing the growth of the cancer cells. In the majority of cases, especially when the cancer has been detected early, physicians can treat it without the use of chemotherapy and radiation.
If you notice any changes or feel any pain in or around your testicles, discuss this with your Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group primary care physician, urologist, or oncologist right away. Most bumps don’t turn out to be testicular cancer, but it’s always best to make your health a priority and talk with your doctor.
Sources:
Testicular Cancer: Frequently Asked Questions
Testicular Cancer: Risk Factors and Early Detection
Testicular Cancer: Treatment Choices
Testicular Cancer: Surgery
American Cancer Society - Testicular Cancer
Movember - Testicular Cancer