Testicular Cancer

What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the testes, which are part of the male reproductive organs.
It typically occurs in young and middle-aged men and is one of the cancers with the highest treatment success rate.
When diagnosed early, the chance of complete recovery is very high.

Symptoms
Testicular cancer is often noticed as a painless lump or swelling.
Some patients may feel heaviness or a sense of fullness in the testes.
Rarely, there may be pain or discomfort radiating to the abdomen or groin.
Hormonal effects may cause breast enlargement or tenderness.

Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, but certain factors may increase the risk:

• Undescended testis (cryptorchidism)

• Family history (father or brother with testicular cancer)

• Certain genetic syndromes

• More common in Caucasian men

These risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease, but testicular cancer can also occur without any of them.

Diagnostic Methods
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination, followed by ultrasonography to evaluate masses in the testicular tissue.
Blood tests are performed to measure tumor markers such as AFP, β-hCG, and LDH.
CT or MRI scans are used to assess the spread of cancer. In early-stage cases, it is usually confined to the testis.

Treatment Methods
Treatment is planned according to the stage and type of the disease:

• Surgery: The first and most important step is removal of the affected testis (radical inguinal orchiectomy).

• Chemotherapy: Used in cases with spread or recurrence.

• Radiotherapy: Particularly effective for seminoma-type tumors.

• Follow-up: Regular post-treatment check-ups are important for early detection of potential recurrence.

Early Detection and Prevention
Testicular cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
Men are advised to perform regular self-examinations of their testes.
Any hardening, swelling, or shape changes should prompt immediate consultation with a urology specialist.