O testicular cancer it affects between 1 to 3% of the sexually active male population. This cancer can be aggressive, since malignant neoplastic cells have the ability to quickly duplicate and invade adjacent sites, originating metastases.
Testicular cancer, when diagnosed early, responds well to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and clinical treatments, having a low chance of recurrence and little impact on male physical and reproductive health.
However, the low demand of men for a urologist and/or andrologist puts them in a situation of vulnerability - only 1/3 of the male population spontaneously seeks a urologist, with another 2/3 being forced to seek counseling by imposition of their partners, mothers or sisters, for example.
In summary, thousands of men have never consulted a urologist and/or andrologist throughout their lives for the prevention of testicular cancer and other diseases that can affect men.
Age and Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is, in the vast majority of cases, asymptomatic, meaning that the affected individual does not present any signs or symptoms that would make them realize something is wrong.
The disease has a higher incidence in men between the ages of 15 and 50, and is more prevalent in the white population than in the black population. It can also be up to 100 times more frequent in men with infertility problems. It is not uncommon for adolescents, at the beginning of their sexual development, to be diagnosed with testicular cancer. Therefore, prevention is the best way to identify the disease in its early stages.
Just like with breast cancer, where self-examination is a great ally in detecting the disease, testicular self-examination helps in early identification and increases the chances of a cure.
Self-examination for testicular cancer detection.
Testicular self-examination is an important habit for early diagnosis and should be performed every three months. Self-evaluation should be encouraged, and regular consultations with an andrologist should be scheduled in case of any changes or concerns.
Here's a step-by-step guide to self-examination:
Examine each testicle with both hands. The index and middle fingers should be placed on the underside of the testicles, and the thumb on top;
Rotate each testicle between your thumb and middle and index fingers - one testicle may normally be larger than the other;
At the back of both testicles are the epididymis, which has the function of maturing and storing sperm; if they are hardened, they may be blocked or inflamed.
Look for any hardened areas, lumps, or irregularities on the surface of the testicle. They are generally painless [H1] .
It is important to emphasize that, in addition to detecting testicular cancer, self-examination also contributes to the early diagnosis of other diseases that affect men's health and fertility.
Symptoms of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer, as already mentioned, is often a silent disease. In some cases, there are some signs that may be indicative of the disease, such as:
A pea-sized lump, usually painless. This is the most common sign;
Increase or decrease in the size of the testicles;
Pain in the lower abdomen;
Blood in the urine;
Increased size or sensitivity in the nipples.
DIAGNOSIS OF TESTICULAR CANCER
Testicular cancer, despite being an aggressive type of tumor due to the high rate of tumor cell duplication, is easily diagnosed and responds well to treatment. For diagnosis, the doctor may request:
Blood tests (measurement of tumor markers, among others);
Histological analysis of testicular tissue;
Ultrasound;
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating the presence of metastasis.
The doctor will also perform a physical exam and may order a semen analysis to assess whether the tumor has impaired reproductive capacity.
Treatments for Testicular Cancer
The initial treatment for testicular cancer is always surgical. This may involve partial or total removal of the testicles (orchiectomy), depending on the extent of the cancer. The patient's sexual or reproductive function is not affected, provided the other testicle is healthy.
Depending on the case, after surgery, the individual may undergo radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or clinical monitoring treatment.
Fertility preservation in men with testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer itself and its treatment can affect testosterone and sperm production, potentially leading to male infertility. Therefore, before undergoing treatment, it is important to discuss with a doctor methods to preserve fertility and ensure the chance of fatherhood in the future.
In these cases, the man can choose to cryopreserve his gametes in a sperm bank and use them whenever he wishes with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology techniques. Sperm can be cryopreserved indefinitely.
