Testicular cancer is a condition that occurs when cancer cells form in a testicle. This eMedTV resource takes an in-depth look at this condition, including information about symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and more.
The two most common types of testicular cancer are seminomas and nonseminomas. This portion of the eMedTV library discusses these two types and explains that seminomas and nonseminomas grow and spread differently.
As explained in this eMedTV article, the exact causes of testicular cancer are unknown; however, scientists have identified certain risk factors (such as having an undescended testicle) that increase a man's chances of developing testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer symptoms include a painless lump or swelling in the testicle. This eMedTV article describes other symptoms of testicular cancer, such as any enlargement of a testicle and pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, a diagnosis of testicular cancer usually involves a review of the patient's medical history, a physical exam, and tests and procedures. Tests used to diagnose testicular cancer include blood tumor marker tests.
As this eMedTV segment explains, testicular cancer staging is the process of determining the extent of the disease. This article takes an in-depth look at how this type of cancer is staged and defines the different stages of the disease.
This eMedTV article talks about the treatment options for testicular cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. This Web page explains the factors that affect decisions about treatment, such as the type and stage of the disease.
A testicular cancer prognosis is a medical opinion as to the outcome of the disease. This eMedTV resource explains the factors that affect a patient's prognosis for testicular cancer, such as the stage of the cancer and the size of the tumor.
Currently, there are no tests used for testicular cancer screening. As this eMedTV article explains, men may perform self exams to check for signs of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer can often be cured -- even without good screening tests.
Testicular cancer sometimes can be detected when performing a monthly self-exam. This eMedTV resource explains how to perform a testicular cancer check on yourself and discusses tests doctors use to diagnose the disease.
As discussed in this eMedTV resource, testicular cancer research is being conducted to assess the effectiveness of using high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant to treat the disease. Other research is also discussed in this article.
Testicular cancer statistics indicate that for 2000-2003, the median age at diagnosis was 34. This eMedTV article compiles statistics concerning testicular cancer, including lifetime risk data, age-at-diagnosis figures, and death and survival rates.
