Testicular Cancer
Understanding Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer begins in the cells of the testicles—organs responsible for sperm and hormone production. It is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when detected early. Testicular cancer often affects younger men and tends to grow quickly, but it also responds extremely well to modern treatments. With timely evaluation and the right care, long-term cure rates are among the highest of all cancers.
Early Warning Signs
Most men notice something “not quite right” rather than sudden pain. The earliest signs are usually painless, which makes them easy to overlook.
Watch for:
- A painless lump or swelling in one testicle — the most common early sign.
- A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the scrotum.
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin that persists.
- Subtle changes in testicle size, shape, or firmness.
These symptoms are not always serious, but listening to your body early can make a big difference.
Causes & Risk Factors
Risk factors include undescended testicles, family history, infertility, and specific genetic conditions. Early awareness helps significantly.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes ultrasound, tumor markers (AFP, ß-hCG, LDH), CT scans, and sometimes chest imaging to check for spread.
Treatment
Primary treatment is radical inguinal orchiectomy (surgical removal of the affected testicle). For some patients with lymph node involvement, robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) provides excellent outcomes with quicker recovery.
Recovery & Life After Treatment
Most men return to work within days. Fertility preservation (sperm banking) is recommended before treatment. Long-term cure rates exceed 90–95%.