Testicular cancer – Seminoma
Description of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer – disease, in which cancer cells are formed in one or both testicles. Testicles – paired male gonads, which produce and store sperm. The testicles also produce male hormones. They are located under the penis in a pouch of fabric, It called the scrotum.
There are three main types of testicular cancer:
- Seminoma (polunoma);
- Nonseminoma (эmbrionalynыy cancer; yolk sac tumor; immature teratoma (teratocarcinomas); xoriokarцinoma; mixed tumors);
- Stromal Tumor.
Treatment is prescribed depending on the type of cancer cells.
Cancer occurs, when the cells of the organism (in this case the egg cells) uncontrollably divide and form a build-up (weight) of cloth, called tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors do not spread to other organs.
Causes of testicular cancer
The causes of testicular cancer are unknown. Studies show, that there are certain risk factors, Related Disease.
Risk factors for testicular cancer
Factors, which increases the risk of testicular cancer:
- Personal or family history of testicular cancer;
- Age: 25-35;
- Anomalies of the testicles, such as Klinefelter's syndrome;
- Undescended testicle.
Symptoms of testicular cancer
These symptoms, except for testicular cancer, They may be caused by other, less serious diseases. If you experience any of them, consult a doctor.
- Painless lump or swelling of the testicles;
- Expansion or swelling of a testicle;
- The feeling of heaviness in the scrotum;
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin;
- Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum;
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum;
- Lower back pain (in the later stages of cancer);
- The increase in breast size.
Diagnosis of testicular cancer
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests;
- US – examination, that uses sound waves, to examine the internal organs;
- Excisional biopsy – orchiotomy, to test the tissue for cancer cells.
Once testicular cancer is found, appointed Tests, allowing to determine the extent of its spread. These tests may include:
- Computed tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvic – X-ray views, wherein the computer is used, to make pictures of organs inside the body;
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) – test, that allows you to see the activity of body tissues, and determine the extent of the disease.
Treatment of testicular cancer
Surgery for testicular cancer
The operation is performed to remove the cancerous testicle. It is performed through an incision in the groin. The surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes, to check for the presence of cancer metastasis.
Radiation therapy for testicular cancer
Radiation therapy is used, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. When testicular cancer used External radiation therapy, wherein the light radiation is directed at the tumor from a source outside the body.
Chemotherapy for testicular cancer
Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells.
Prophylaxis of testicular cancer
Born with undescended testes is necessary to perform the operation, to reduce the risk of testicular cancer.
If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, such as swelling or swelling of the testicles, seek medical advice.
