By adminBy Dr. Ashraf Al-Zaid
Consultant in Kidney and Urological Cancer Surgery
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, London
Expert in Kidney, Testicular, and Bladder Cancer Surgery
With 14 years of experience at prestigious hospitals in London
Testicular cancer occurs when cells in one or both testicles grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Although rare, testicular cancer has a high cure rate.
If you’re wondering how to determine if you have testicular cancer, Dr. Ashraf Al-Zaid, a consultant in kidney and urological cancer surgery, explains the methods for confirming a diagnosis.
How to Know If You Have Testicular Cancer
The only definitive way for a doctor to diagnose testicular cancer is by taking a biopsy of the testicle and examining it under a microscope. Unlike other cancers, the doctor usually removes the entire affected testicle for examination rather than taking a small sample.
Other Diagnostic Tests for Testicular Cancer
To diagnose testicular cancer, the doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination of the testicle, and conduct additional tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. These tests include:
- Testicular Ultrasound: This helps exclude non-cancerous issues such as varicocele.
- Blood Tests: These check for tumor markers that are elevated in testicular cancer, including:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG)
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
- CT Scan: This assesses the extent of cancer spread to other areas of the body.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
It’s important to note that having any of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate testicular cancer, as they can occur with other conditions. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis if you experience any of the following:
- Swelling or Lump in the Testicle: This is the most common symptom. However, not all lumps or swelling are cancerous. For instance, a fluid buildup in the testicle (hydrocele) can also cause swelling. Most testicular lumps are not cancerous but should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Pain, Discomfort, or Numbness: This may occur in the testicle or scrotum, with or without swelling.
- Feeling of Heaviness: A testicle might feel heavier or harder than usual.
- Abdominal or Groin Pain: This can be a symptom of testicular cancer.
- Sudden Fluid Accumulation: Fluid may accumulate in the scrotum unexpectedly.
- Early Puberty in Males: This occurs with certain types of testicular cancer that produce male hormones. Adults typically don’t show symptoms, but children may exhibit signs of early puberty, such as voice deepening and body hair growth.
- Back Pain, Breathing Difficulty, Chest Pain, or Blood in Sputum: These symptoms can appear in advanced stages of testicular cancer.
Note: Some men with testicular cancer may not experience symptoms, and the condition might be discovered incidentally during tests for another condition.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Testicular Cancer?
Men of any age can develop testicular cancer, but the risk is higher for:
- Those with testicular abnormalities during development.
- Individuals with undescended testicles (a condition where one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum).
- Those with a history of testicular cancer.
- Individuals with a family history of testicular cancer.
Is Testicular Cancer Curable?
Dr. Ashraf Al-Zaid reassures that testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when diagnosed and treated early. The cure rate can reach up to 98%.
Sources:
Penn Medicine – Testicular Cancer Diagnosis
WebMD – Do I Have Testicular Cancer?
American Cancer Society – Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Cancer Research UK – Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Cancer.net – Symptoms and Signs of Testicular Cancer
MedlinePlus – Testicular Cancer
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