Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, which can strike one or both testicles, isn’t common. According to the American Cancer Society, you’ve got 1 chance in 270 of developing it.

While this form of cancer can technically strike at any age, it most commonly occurs in men between the ages of 20 and 34. About six percent of cases occur in teens and children.

The American Cancer Society says that it’s one of the most treatable and curable forms of cancer; especially of it’s found early.

It’s also possible to have children even after radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. (Be sure to talk to your Bellin Health physician well in advance of treatment, since there are ways to save your sperm for use at a later date, even if both testicles had to be removed.)

Symptoms

  • Discomfort or pain in the testicle
  • A lump or swelling in either testicle
  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • An enlarged testicle or a change in the way it feels
  • Pain in the back or lower abdomen

Risk Factors

You’re more at risk for testicular cancer if:

  • You have an undescended testicle
  • You have abnormal testicle development
  • Testicular cancer runs in your family
  • You have HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer in the other testicle

Self-Exam

  • Examine your testicles during a bath or shower.
  • Hold your penis out of the way and check one testicle at a time.
  • Roll each testicle between your fingers and feel for any hard lumps, smooth, rounded bumps, or any change in size, shape, or consistency.

Treatment Options

Call your Bellin Health doctor if you notice anything unusual during your self-exam. Your physician will perform a physical examination, conduct blood tests and an ultrasound.

If cancer is present, your doctor will discuss your treatment options.

Depending on the stage of the cancer, and other factors, treatment options for testicular cancer can include:

  • Surgical removal of one or both testicles.
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Stem cell transplant (This often requires a lengthy hospital stay and higher costs.)

Call a Bellin Health Primary Care Physician.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of testicular cancer, get the guidance you need from a Bellin Health primary care physician.

Call Bellin Health On-Call 24/7 at (920) 445-7373 for more information and to make an appointment.