Testicular cancer is one of the most dangerous types of cancer, primarily affecting young men between the ages of 15 and 35. It is essential to understand everything about testicular cancer, as early detection plays a vital role in successful treatment. This cancer can develop in one or both testicles, though the exact cause remains unknown. However, several factors may increase the risk of testicular cancer, including a family history of the disease, abnormal testicular development, and undescended testicles.

Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump or swelling in the testicle, a dull ache in the groin area, or a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum. With the right treatment—such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy—survival rates are high if the cancer is caught early.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala, from the Department of Uro-Oncology & Robotics at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology in Hyderabad, discussed the actions men can take to detect symptoms of testicular cancer early. According to Dr. Rajesh Kumar, testicular tumors are the most common cancers affecting young adults. These cancers arise from germ cells (precursors of spermatozoa) and are usually curable if detected early. Here are some key risk factors, signs, and recommended tests for early detection:

What Are The Risk Factors Testicular Cancer?

  1. Undescended Testis: During fetal development, testicles form inside the abdomen and typically descend into the scrotum by birth. If this descent is interrupted, it results in an undescended testis, which increases the risk of germ cells developing into cancer due to their incompatible location.
  2. Family History: Having a family history of testicular cancer in the father or a sibling, or having cancer in one testicle, increases the risk of developing cancer in the other testicle.
  3. Infertility: This condition is also associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Testicular Cancer?

  1. Testicular Enlargement or Lump: Any lump or enlargement in the testis should raise concern. It may be associated with a dull ache or dragging pain. In some cases, lax hydrocele (fluid accumulation in the scrotum around the testis) can coexist.
  2. Lump in the Abdomen or Neck Swelling: This may indicate lymphatic spread within the abdomen, and in advanced stages, cancer can spread to neck nodes, particularly on the left side above the collarbone.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar emphasizes seeing a urologist if you have any of these risk factors or symptoms. He recommends an ultrasound scan of the scrotum to rule out testicular tumors and testicular tumor markers, such as Alpha-fetoprotein, Beta HCG, and Lactate dehydrogenase, for early detection.