Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men aged between 20-40 years of age.
Testicular cancer causes and risk factors
The cause of testicular cancer is unknown. Science has yet to establish why the germ cells in the testicles turn cancerous. However, there are certain risk factors associated with testicular cancer. These are:
“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.
Read on to learn about testicular cancer treatment.
Ref: R14
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