#4 – What Are the Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer?
Unlike some forms of cancer, little is known about the causes of testicular cancer. Currently, science has earmarked just a couple of risk factors for it, including:
- Family history of testicular cancer
- A previous case of cancer in another testicle
- Abnormal development of the testicles at birth
- Undescended testicle(s)
- Carcinoma in situ (CIS)
Of these five risk factors, an undescended testicle presents the highest risk of developing cancer. A testicle that is undescended is one that did not descend into the scrotum during the seventh month of fetal development, and according to studies, this type of testicle is five times more likely to develop cancer than a descended testicle.
#5 – Testicular Cancer Isn’t a Death Sentence
If the cancer is diagnosed and treated while still localized within the testicle, the patient has a 99% five-year relative survival rate.Just the word “cancer” is enough to send fear into the heart of anyone, but it’s made that much worse when you hear it from your doctor. That said, testicular cancer is a highly treatable form of cancer that when caught early, has a very high survival rate.
If the cancer is diagnosed and treated while still localized within the testicle, the patient has a 99% five-year relative survival rate. Thanks to today’s innovative medical advancements, even more developed forms of testicular cancer can be treated and cured.
In most cases, the affected testicle will be surgically removed via an Orchiectomy. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, and whether or not the cancer has spread to any other part of the body, the patient may or may not receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments.
A Glossary of Terms Related to Testicular Cancer
- Hydrocele – “A fluid-filled sac surrounding a testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum.”
- Spermatocele – “Also known as a spermatic cyst: a typically painless, noncancerous (benign), fluid-filled sac that grows near the top of a testicle.”
- Varicocele – “An enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds your testicles (scrotum). A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein that can occur in your leg.”
- Hernia – “Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (omentum) or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach bulges through your diaphragm into your chest cavity. An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through an opening in the abdominal muscles.”
- Epididymis – “Epididymitis is an inflammation of the coiled tube (epididymis) at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. Males of any age can get epididymitis.”
- Vas deferens – “The tube that carries semen from your testicle.”
All definitions are courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.
When It Comes to Testicular Cancer, the Ball Is in Your Court
Testicular cancer is beatable. Just ask guys like Tom Green, Lance Armstrong, and Chuck Billy. If you think you feel a lump, be sure to tell your doctor. Even if you don’t feel pain or any other symptoms, tell your doctor anyway. In the best-case scenario, the tests will just assure that cancer is not present. But if by chance it is cancer, then catching it early will help ensure that you are in the best position possible to overcome it.
[Photo Via: HuffPost]
