Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the testicles, the male’s reproductive glands found in the scrotum. This cancer usually affects younger males between 15 and 44. A recent study shows that in 2020, there were 74,458 new cases of testicular cancer worldwide. The good news? Testicular cancer is highly treatable, with a 5-year survival rate of over 95%. This article will walk you through the anatomy of the testicles, types, causes, symptoms, and risk factors of testicular cancer.
Anatomy of The Testicles
The testicles or testes are those small balls found in the scrotum, a small sac of skin hanging right below the penis. Because the scrotum is located outside of the body, it helps to keep the testicles slightly cooler than the rest of the body.
The testicles have two main jobs which are making sperm, and producing hormones like testosterone. Testosterone is that hormone that gives a man features like a deeper voice, facial hair, and muscle growth.
Types of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is divided into two main types: seminomatous and nonseminomatous.
Seminomatous Testicular Cancer
Seminomas are the type of cancer that grows more slowly than the other types of testicular cancer. This type is more common in men in their late 30s – early 50s, though it can happen at any age.
Non-Seminomatous Testicular Cancer
Non-seminomas grow and spread quickly. It is made up of different subtypes, namely: embryonal, carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. This type of cancer affects male in their late teenage years to men in their early 30s.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
- Swelling of the testicles
- Heavy scrotum
- A full ache in the lower abdomen
- Pain in the lower back
- Swollen breast, but this is rare
What Causes Testicular Cancer?
Scientists don’t fully understand the exact cause behind it, but it’s believed that there are several factors that increase a person’s risk of developing the cancer.
Note: Having one or more of these factors doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get this cancer though.
Common Risk Factors
Undescended Testicle: This condition is known as cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles fail to move down into the scrotum before birth. Sometimes even if surgery is done to correct this condition, the risk of developing this still remains high.
Family History: if someone in your family like your brother or father has had this cancer before or has it currently, your chances of getting it are higher.
Personal History: if you’ve had testicular cancer in one testicle, there is a greater risk of developing in the other testicle.
Age: This cancer mostly affects younger men especially those between 15 and 35 years old.
Abnormal testicle development: There is a condition called Klinefelter syndrome which involves abnormal development of the testicles. Conditions like this can increase the risk of developing this cancer over time.
Furthermore, other risk factors to consider are race and ethnicity, HIV infection, certain environmental factors like chemicals or radiation exposure, and lifestyle. Although some of these factors haven’t been fully proven, they might play a role in increasing a person’s risk of having this cancer
The Bottom Line
This cancer mostly affects younger guys, especially those between 15 and 44. The good news is that it is one of the most treatable cancers out there, with a survival rate of over 95% if it’s caught early.
