Testicular Cancer
About Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 354.
Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles, which produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Typically, a painless lump is felt in the scrotum. When testicular cancer spreads, the cancer cells are carried by blood or to the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Types of Testicular Cancer
- Seminoma: A slow-growing cancer that typically stays just in the testes, but can spread to the lymph nodes. It is most common in men in their 30s and 40s.
- Nonseminoma: A group of different types of cancers that occur at the same time and in the same tumor. Usually grows and spreads more quickly than seminomas.
If your primary care doctor finds a lump and recommends further testing and evaluation, our team of specialists can diagnose your condition and determine a treatment plan.
312.996.2779
SYMPTOMS, RISK FACTORS, & SCREENING
Symptoms
You should check with your doctor if you have had any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum.
- Change in how a testicle feels.
- Painless lump or swelling in either testicle.
- Dull aching feeling in the lower abdomen area or the groin.
- Sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum.
Risks
Most boys and men with testicular cancer may not have any of the known risk factors. However, it is still important to know what the risk factors are in order to decrease the risk of developing the disease. Risk factors for testicular cancer include:
- Having an undescended testicle
- Family history of testicular cancer
- Previous history of testicular cancer
- HIV infection
- Carcinoma in situ of the testicle
- Being of a certain race/ethnicity
Testicular Cancer Screening
Testicular cancer can usually be found at an early stage. Many men find the cancer themselves while doing a self-examination. Or, their sexual partner may notice a change that can lead to a diagnosis.
Monthly testicular self-examinations, performed after a warm shower, can help find cancer at an early stage when there is a higher rate for a successful treatment.
It is recommended that men ages 15 to 55 perform a monthly self-examination to find any changes. Men who notice a lump, hardness, enlargement, pain, or any other change in one or both of their testicles should visit their doctor immediately.
IMAGING & DIAGNOSTICS
The following tests and procedures may be used to make an accurate diagnosis:
Physical exam and history
Checking general signs of health and for any signs of disease. The testicles are examined to check for lumps, swelling, or pain. Information of the patient's health, past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
Ultrasound exam of the testes
Taking a picture (sonogram) with high-frequency sound waves to create images of the testes. The images can provide important information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.
Blood test for tumor markers
A sample of blood is examined to measure the amounts of specific substances, known as tumor markers, that are released into the blood by organs, tissues, or tumor cells in the body.
TESTICULAR CANCER TREATMENTS
Our team of expert providers is dedicated to providing the best-personalized care possible to help produce the best results for each patient and their unique needs.
Testicular Cancer Treatments
- Surgery: Removes one or both of the testicles and some lymph nodes to help decide if the cancer has spread.
- Chemotherapy: Terminates and stops cancer cells from growing.
- Radiation therapy: Kills and keeps the cancer from spreading.
Here is some additional information you should know about testicular cancer treatment:
- Having one testicle removed for treatment will not affect your sex drive or your ability to have an erection and or orgasm.
- Infertility is one of the most serious side effects of testicular cancer treatment. However, if you want to have children, you can freeze your sperm before starting treatment. For more information about sperm banking, click here.
Additional services provided to assist with testicular cancer treatment:
- Sperm banking prior to treatment - extraction and storage of sperm prior to chemotherapy
- Cancer survivorship - fertility services and placement of testicular implants after testicle removal
LOCATIONS & CONTACT INFORMATION
Specialty Care Building, 2nd Floor
1009 S. Wood St.
Chicago, IL 60612
312.996.2779
Directions
Outpatient Care Center, Suite 1E
1818 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612
312.996.2779
Directions
Fax: 312.355.2983
