Testicular cancer is when one or both testicles develop cancer cells. Although rare, it is the most common cancer to afflict men between the ages of 15 to 35 years old. Those with a family history of testicular cancer, Down Syndrome or Klinefelter’s syndrome, have a undescended testicle, have testicular carcinoma in situ or a White male have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer screening is for the purposes of early detection of testicular cancer. When testicular cancer is detected in its early stage, a man’s survival rate is 100% but even if it’s found at a later stage, the survival rate stands at 95%. It is easier to treat testicular cancer in its early stage and men who get a testicular cancer screening have a higher chance to be cured.
A man may want to check for testicular cancer when they show signs of the following symptoms:
Pain in the testicles or scrotum
Fluid build-up in the scrotum
Ache in the groin or abdomen
Swelling testicles
There is no standard test or examination when it comes to testicular cancer screening. A variety of tests can be used to screen for different types of cancer when a man does not show any symptoms.
This is largely due testicular cancer having a higher survival rate than other cancers even when it is detected in its late stages.
More often than not, the men themselves are the ones to detect testicular cancer through other types of health screenings or even a self-examination. Testicular cancer can even be detected during a routine physical examination with a healthcare provider.
Men concerned with developing testicular cancer can routinely do a self-check by looking out for any abnormal lumps or undergo a physical exam. If the healthcare provider notices any abnormalities, other tests can be performed to check for cancer, which stage it is in and if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Specific screening tests and exams for testicular cancer are currently being studied in clinical trials.
Due to the high survival and cure rate of testicular cancer at any stage, there is no real benefit to getting screening done specifically for testicular cancer. A routine screening does not particularly decrease the risk of mortality.
However, as with most cancers, when testicular cancer is detected in its early stage, it can be easier to treat and cure. Detecting testicular cancer in its early stage may require less chemotherapy and surgery – resulting in less side effects.
Following a testicular cancer screening, treatment options will be recommended by the healthcare provider.
The options for treatment will depend on certain factors based on the results including the stage of the cancer, if it has spread to other parts of the body, the size of the tumour or how developed the cancer cells are, and the number and size of retroperitoneal lymphnodes.
Treatments for testicular cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of treatments. Testicular cancer can usually be cured after treatment.
