Testicular cancer is characterized by the growth of cancerous cells present inside the testicles. The testicles are located inside the scrotum, which is a skin bag located below the penis. The testicles are responsible for producing sperms, which are required for reproduction, along with sex hormones in males. As compared to the different types of cancers, the risk of developing this type of cancer is much lower.
The good news is that testicular cancer can be easily treatable, even when it goes beyond the testicular region. The approach for the treatment of this type of cancer is determined after understanding the type as well as the stage of testicular cancer. The following article aims to provide information on the types, symptoms, and risk factors of testicular cancer one should know about:
Types of testicular cancer
The testicular region consists of many different cells. Depending upon which cells have been affected, a doctor will be able to know the type of testicular cancer that a patient is suffering from. The common types of testicular cancer include:
- Germ cell tumors, which originate in the germ cells, make up for roughly 90% of all the cases of testicular cancer. These tumors are further divided into seminomas and non-seminomas.
- Two other types of testicular cancer include teratoma and stromal tumors.
However, understanding the types of testicular cancer can be quite complicated. The doctor would adopt a medical approach depending on where it has spread and where it originated.
What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
The symptoms of testicular cancer could include the following:
- When one experiences an enlargement or a lump in either of the testicles, then it is advisable to get it checked right away.
- The scrotum area may feel heavier than usual for people affected with this type of cancer.
- People may even feel that their abdomen or groin has a constant dull ache.
- Sometimes, there is also a sudden collection of fluids inside the scrotum.
- There is also discomfort or pain inside of the scrotum or the testicle, which may be a symptom of this type of cancer.
- Patients may also experience pain in the back.
What are some common risk factors?
To understand testicular cancer better, one would need to know about the risk factors associated with it:
- People who have a testicle that is undescended or are suffering from cryptorchidism are at a higher risk of developing testicular cancer.
- People who have had abnormal development of the testicle due to conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome may also pose itself as a risk factor.
- Family history has a role to play in most types of cancer. Same is the case with testicular cancer. If one has a family history of testicular cancer, then they would also be at high risk of developing the same. One would just have to be more aware of the symptoms and get them detected at the earliest.
- Even age and race could be possible risk factors for testicular cancer. Males between the ages of 15 and 35 are most commonly affected by this type of cancer. It is also more common in Caucasians.
