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4 Things You Should Know About the Most Common Cancer Among Young Men

4 Things You Should Know About the Most Common Cancer Among Young Men

Though testicular cancer represents just 1-2 per cent of all male cancers, it is one of the most common cancers in men aged 20 - 40 years.
Though testicular cancer represents just 1-2 per cent of all male cancers, it is one of the most common cancers in men aged 20 - 40 years.

Testicular cancer is a cancer that affects the testicles, the reproductive glands that produce male sex hormones and sperm.

Testicles, also called testes, are located below the penis, in a pouch called the scrotum. Testicular cancer can affect one or both testicles.

Though testicular cancer represents just 1-2 per cent of all male cancers, it is one of the most common cancers in men aged 20 - 40 years.

“The good news is that testicular cancer is a highly treatable male cancer,” says Dr Terence Tan Wee Kiat, Senior Consultant, Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), a member of the SingHealth group.

Types of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer usually begins in the cells that produce sperm, called germ cells. There are two main types of germ cell tumours – seminoma and non-seminoma. Seminoma testicular cancer is a slow growing cancer which tends to affect men aged between 25 to 45 and also older men aged 55 to 60.

Non-seminoma testicular cancer is more aggressive and is more likely to occur in younger men aged 15 to 35. It can spread to the bones and other organs such as the lungs, liver and brain. Testicular cancer in which both seminoma and non-seminoma cells are present, is treated as non-seminoma.

Testicular cancer symptoms

Testicular cancer symptoms do not always involve the testes. They may include the following:

  • A swelling or lump in one or both testicles. Often, there is no pain.

  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

  • A dull ache or feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or groin.

Related article: Noticed a lump on your groin? It could be a hernia.

“Testicular cancer typically presents with a painless lump in one or both testicles. There may also be a heavy sensation in the testicle,” says Dr Tan.

In advanced cancer cases, where the testicular cancer has spread beyond the testicles, patients may also suffer from more general symptoms such as:

  • Lower back pain

  • Fatigue and sluggishness

  • Excessive sweating

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pain

  • Fever

Related article: 5 types of chest pain you shouldn’t ignore

Testicular cancer causes and risk factors

The cause of testicular cancer is unknown. Science hasn’t yet established why the germ cells in the testicles turn cancerous. However, there are certain risk factors associated with testicular cancer. These are:

  • Cryptorchidism or undescended testicle: The testicles normally form in the abdomen of a male foetus and descend into the scrotum before birth, or within three months after birth. In some cases, one or both testicles may not descend into the scrotum and remain in the abdomen. This condition is known as cryptorchidism. It can be corrected with surgery.

  • Klinefelter’s syndrome: A genetic disorder that can cause abnormal testicle development.

  • Personal or family history of testicular cancer

  • Age between 20 and 40 years

“Males who have a history of cryptorchidism, even if it is corrected with surgery, have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer,” says Dr Tan.

Diagnosis and stages of testicular cancer

A testicular ultrasound, blood tests to determine the level of tumour markers, removal of the affected testicle, and CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis are typically used to diagnose testicular cancer.

There are three stages of testicular cancer. In stage 1, the cancer is limited to the testicles. In stage 2, it has spread to the lymph nodes within the abdomen or pelvis. In stage 3, the cancer has spread beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body.

In advanced cases, a CT scan of the chest and the brain, may be performed to determine the extent of spread of the cancer.

“Often, testicular cancer is discovered at home during self-examination,” says Dr Tan.

Related article: 3 treatment options for testicular cancer

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By Anjana Motihar Chandra for HealthXchange.com.sg.

Articles on HealthXchange.com.sg are meant for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional surgical, medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.