There are many different types of cancers that are currently affecting both men and women of different ages. Testicular cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the testicles, although it can spread to other parts within the body. Statistics from 2013 showed that 8, 300 people died of this condition worldwide. This was an increase of 1, 300 from 1990. Annual diagnosis per year is at 8000 in the US and 2000 in UK.
Despite of aforementioned scary news, this cancer is one amoong the cancers with the highest cure rates. On average, five-year survival rate is at 95%. The five-year survival rate rises to 99% if the condition has not spread to other parts of the body and reduces to 96% if it has spread. The current cure rate offered by chemotherapy is at 80%.
The condition originates from different places in the body and the point of origin is used to name it. Therefore, cancer of the testicles is the name used to refer to cancers that develop in other places but originating from testicles. The chances of one developing the condition is 0.5%, which is at least one male in 200. Males aged between 20 and 39 have this cancer as the most prevalent in the age group. It is rare for the disease to affect those below 15 years.
This condition has very diverse signs and symptoms, but lumps inside the testes is the most characteristic one. People are discouraged from conducting routine screening, even though monthly self-examinations are encouraged. If a family has a history of cancer, its members are encouraged to do this more often. The condition is more frequent among young people and they are advised to do more self-examinations.
Normally lumps occur in one testis and my come with pain or not. Presence of lumps makes doctors to conduct further tests. Additional symptoms that occur commonly include painful scrotum or abdomen, breast enlargement, the scrotum feeling heavy, and lower back pain. Signs come one at a time or several at once. Cancerous cells may spread to the lungs and when that happens, shortness of breath and lumps in the neck may be experienced.
Symptoms can sometimes be very confusing especially since epididymitis, varicocele, and hematocele have the same signs. Lump evaluation is performed through scrotal ultrasound. The type of lump is determined by the characteristics identified by the ultrasound. Location and size of tumor are among the characteristics identified.
Extent of disease and location of metastases is done through a CT scan. Blood tests are also used for identifying the disease. Bloodstream has specific proteins that serve as tumor markers. Blood tests identify these tumor markers. Human chorionic gonadotropin, Alpha-fetoprotein, and LDH-1 are among the commonest proteins used as tumor markers in detecting the disease through blood test. Blood tests may not be very efficient.
Three options for treatment are available. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the major options. The treatments are performed by different professionals. Radiation therapy is performed by radiation oncologists, surgery is done by urologists, while chemotherapy is carried out by medical oncologists. Success is dependent on the time treatment is commenced. Starting treatment early enough assures one of higher success from the treatments.
Despite of aforementioned scary news, this cancer is one amoong the cancers with the highest cure rates. On average, five-year survival rate is at 95%. The five-year survival rate rises to 99% if the condition has not spread to other parts of the body and reduces to 96% if it has spread. The current cure rate offered by chemotherapy is at 80%.
The condition originates from different places in the body and the point of origin is used to name it. Therefore, cancer of the testicles is the name used to refer to cancers that develop in other places but originating from testicles. The chances of one developing the condition is 0.5%, which is at least one male in 200. Males aged between 20 and 39 have this cancer as the most prevalent in the age group. It is rare for the disease to affect those below 15 years.
This condition has very diverse signs and symptoms, but lumps inside the testes is the most characteristic one. People are discouraged from conducting routine screening, even though monthly self-examinations are encouraged. If a family has a history of cancer, its members are encouraged to do this more often. The condition is more frequent among young people and they are advised to do more self-examinations.
Normally lumps occur in one testis and my come with pain or not. Presence of lumps makes doctors to conduct further tests. Additional symptoms that occur commonly include painful scrotum or abdomen, breast enlargement, the scrotum feeling heavy, and lower back pain. Signs come one at a time or several at once. Cancerous cells may spread to the lungs and when that happens, shortness of breath and lumps in the neck may be experienced.
Symptoms can sometimes be very confusing especially since epididymitis, varicocele, and hematocele have the same signs. Lump evaluation is performed through scrotal ultrasound. The type of lump is determined by the characteristics identified by the ultrasound. Location and size of tumor are among the characteristics identified.
Extent of disease and location of metastases is done through a CT scan. Blood tests are also used for identifying the disease. Bloodstream has specific proteins that serve as tumor markers. Blood tests identify these tumor markers. Human chorionic gonadotropin, Alpha-fetoprotein, and LDH-1 are among the commonest proteins used as tumor markers in detecting the disease through blood test. Blood tests may not be very efficient.
Three options for treatment are available. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the major options. The treatments are performed by different professionals. Radiation therapy is performed by radiation oncologists, surgery is done by urologists, while chemotherapy is carried out by medical oncologists. Success is dependent on the time treatment is commenced. Starting treatment early enough assures one of higher success from the treatments.
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