Know More About Testicular Cancer
As the name suggests, testicular cancer occurs in the testicles or the testes that are located inside a thin sac-like structure beneath the penis called the scrotum. The testes are responsible for the production of sperm for reproduction and male sex hormones. This is a rarely occurring form of cancer and is treatable to a great extent. The level of complexity that cancer has achieved determines the combination of treatments.
Causes
- The primary reason for the development of cancer is thought to be unwanted and uncontrollable multiplication of the cells. The normal cells of the testicle turn cancerous and form a tumor. The genetic mutations in the cells lead to the accumulation of cells.
- Some health problems or conditions like Klinefelter’s syndrome may enhance the risk of developing testicular cancer. Any family history also contributes to the risk factors.
- Testicular cancer is observed to be affecting and occurring in people aged between 15 and 35 years. Race can also affect the development of certain diseases. Usually, it is more common in white men than in black men.
- Cryptorchidism is a condition where testes are formed during the pregnancy in the abdominal area but descend in the scrotum before the birth takes place. In this case, it remains undescended and increases the risk of developing testicular cancer.
Types of testicular cancer
The various types of testicular cancer are:
Germ Cell Tumors
Germ cell tumors are the most commonly occurring type of testicular cancer. It is divided into further subtypes.
Seminoma germ cell tumors
These types of cells grow and spread slowly in the body. Among seminoma germ cell tumors, the classic seminoma consists of 95% of the germ cell tumors. Spermatocytic seminoma is usually observed among older adults.
Nonseminomatous germ cell tumors
Among these tumors, embryonal carcinoma is an aggressive tumor. Yolk sac carcinomas are commonly observed in children. Choriocarcinoma is also an aggressive tumor and occurs rarely. Teratoma is a mixed type of tumor that is local but may spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
Stromal Tumors
These tumors develop around the reproductive cells present in the testicles. These tumors can be Leydig cell tumors that form testosterone or Sertoli cell tumors that are generally benign.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain in back
- Formation of lumps in either of the testicle
- A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Enlarged breasts or slight tenderness
- Swelling in testicle
- Aching in the lower abdomen or scrotum
Diagnosis
The diagnosis methods are varied depending on the severity of the disease.
X-ray and CT Scan
The X-ray refers to a type of energy beam of light that provides the doctor with a detailed internal view of the organs. It helps them to identify abnormal situations. The CT scan also provides images from the inside. During the process, the patient may be injected with a dye to get a better view of the tissues and cells.
Scan
The term PET stands for positron emission tomography scan. As a part of this process, a minor amount of radioactive glucose is injected into the body and its movement is traced. Since the malignant tissues will be using radioactive sugar, the area becomes brighter and more visible.
Ultrasound
A testicular ultrasound is done to get the details of the functioning of the scrotum as well as the testicles. A gel is applied over the scrotum and an ultrasound is performed to get the images.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are performed to look for elevated tumor markers so that the doctors can analyze the situation that an individual is in. It also helps to determine the track of treatment as well as the complexity.
Radical Inguinal Orchiectomy
The lump formed in the testicle can be determined as cancerous or non-cancerous through this surgery. After the removal of testicles, the doctor looks for the presence of tumor cells.
Side effects of such procedures
- In the case of the removal of both testicles, the formation of sperm is restricted and leads to infertility. The patient generally feels unwell, shivering, coughing, etc. There could be a possibility of redness or swelling around your wound.
- After chemotherapy, there could be easy bruising and bleeding due to decreased levels of platelets and increased chances of infections due to lowered white blood cell count. Also, it causes issues like hair loss, loss of appetite, sore mouth, diarrhea, and extreme tiredness.
- Radiotherapy can cause health problems like skin redness, irritation in the abdominal and groin areas, fatigue, nausea, temporary reduction in sperm count, and impact on fertility in some cases.
Treatments
The treatments that are available for handling retinoblastoma are:
Surgery
The primary treatment remains to be the testicle extraction that the doctor does by making an incision in the groin. In the early stages, this is the only treatment required for the cure.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection can also be performed by specialists through an incision in the abdomen. The nerves present around the lymph nodes are prevented from the damage as it may cause issues with ejaculation.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and kills cancer cells. It can be performed before or after the surgery. It can be either used as an individual or a treatment in combination. The chemotherapy chemicals travel through the body and destroy the tumor cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy powered beams like X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. The patient is rightly positioned on the table and a machine equipped with radioactive material is moved around to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy may also be recommended after surgery to remove your testicle.
Clinical Trials
This includes coping and support mechanisms. The patient must talk with the doctor about the issues that he/she is facing. One must remain connected with other cancer survivors and loved ones. The diet should be good and possible physical activities must be performed.
Why chose Ayurveda?
According to Ayurvedic beliefs, the human body works on biological energies responsible for all the physical and mental processes. It involves gradually working on the root causes of health problems and eliminating them. This system of medicine has existed for years and has been contributing to the good health and well-being of people.
Many herbs are known to be useful in dealing with conditions of testicular cancer. Boswellia curcumin holds anti-inflammatory properties and helps in reducing the swelling around the infected area. It helps to get relief from pain and discomfort.
Kachnaar guggul is known to be highly effective in dealing with tumors and even swollen lymph nodes. Guggul acts as a blood purifier, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. Ashwagandha has rejuvenating properties that help in fighting stress, fatigue, and weakness in the body.
Also, Ayurveda guides the use of a healthy diet, involving ‘Satvik Aahar’, reduced sugar and fat intake. It aims at making the body equipped with natural nutrients. The use of elements like tobacco and alcohol is completely prohibited. Ayurvedic herbs and products provide a calm and soothing effect on the patient’s body.