Of all the cancers that occur globally each year, testicular cancer accounts for approximately 1 percent of those cancers. It might seem like that’s a low number, but this is a very serious disease that can be deadly. Each year, there are approximately 9,300 new cases of testicular cancer. Prevention and early detection are incredibly important.
Causes
There are many reasons for a man to be at an increased risk of developing testicular cancer during his lifetime. Long-term ibuprofen has been linked to an increased risk of testicular cancer. A family history of testicular cancer can be an increased risk. A congenital deformity of the testes may also be to blame. If you have any risk factors that are concerning, your doctor will make sure that you are screened regularly. Unfortunately, many cases of testicular cancer are not understood very well. We don’t know as much about this form of cancer as we should. This is a condition that is a very real concern for millions of men. It’s important that we pay close attention to our lifestyle choices.
Symptoms
If you’re checking yourself regularly for lumps in your testes, a mass or growth might be the first thing that you feel. Pain, discomfort and numbness are other things to watch out for. Swelling is also very common in men who have testicular cancer. It’s important that you get any abnormal symptoms checked out right away. It’s also a good idea to know your body well. If you pay attention to how your body looks, feels and reacts, then you are more apt to notice that some sort of abnormal change has occurred. Neglecting to perform self-examinations only puts you at a greater risk of a grim diagnosis at some point in your life.
New Technologies
There are a number of new technological developments that can help diagnose and treat testicular cancer. Surgery is always an option, but radiation, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants are all viable options. As we learn more about testicular cancer, new technologies will likely become available for patients.
If you have someone in your family that has dealt with testicular cancer, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know about this family history. Your doctor can make sure that you know the right way to check yourself. They can also help you take further precautions to help you prevent and detect testicular cancer.
