Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among males aged 15 to 34. It occurs when testicular cells grow in an uncontrolled manner, forming a tumor.
Lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking don’t cause testicular cancer. Most cases arise due to chromosomal or genetic issues that are either inherited or acquired during pregnancy.
The typical signs include swelling in the scrotum or testes, abdominal pain, enlarged lymph nodes in the stomach region and a bloody cough.
The first step to diagnosing testicular cancer is self-evaluation. Check your scrotum for lumps or swelling. If you notice any differences between the two testicles, consult a doctor.
Besides self-examination, other screening methods include scrotal ultrasonography, radiological techniques (such as a CT scan or an MRI) and a blood test to analyze tumor markers.
Treatment modalities for testicular cancer include chemotherapy and surgery involving the removal of one or both testicles.
The risk of recurrence is the highest within two to three years of the primary treatment. Hence, it’s vital to follow-up regularly for the first five years post-remission.