Testicular cancer can occur accidentally, without any risk factors. Self-monitoring is particularly important, as free early detection by a doctor is only offered from the age of 45 years.
Testicular cancer is a malignant disease that especially affects men between the ages of 25 and 45 years. About 4,060 patients are diagnosed with cancer in Germany every year. In contrast to other oncological diseases, those affected are still very young on average – the average age at onset is 38 years. However, the probability of complete recovery from the disease is high, unlike prostate cancer. It is most important for men to take possible signs seriously and go to the doctor if they have corresponding symptoms – even if going there is still a shame for many. Regular self-examinations are also important and can make a crucial contribution to early detection.
Possible indicator of testicular cancer: Look for eleven signs of the disease
Testicular cancer usually occurs in one of the affected man's testicles. Cells in tissues multiply uncontrollably so that they can also grow into surrounding organs and damage or destroy them. Men should follow the recommendation German Cancer Society (DKG) Pay attention to the following warning signs:
- Hardening of the testicle can be felt and does not cause pain.
- Hardening on the surface of the testicles.
- Swelling in the testicle area.
- Pain in the testicle area.
- Feeling of heaviness in the testicles.
- Unilateral pulling in the testicles or groin area.
- Fluid accumulation in the testicle.
- Inflammatory change in the testicle that does not improve with medications
- Pain reaching the chest.
- If the disease is in an advanced stage, back pain, which is caused by swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen, may also occur. Back pain in women can also be a sign of cervical cancer.
- Infertility, where the tumor itself can affect sperm production and quality.
Testicular cancer and family planning
Since younger men on average develop testicular cancer and the disease can be associated with infertility, affected people who have not yet completed family planning should seek medical advice about the option of freezing sperm (sperm cryopreservation).
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Testicular cancer: disease progression and prognosis
Testicular cancer often begins with local spread within the testicle. In about three out of four cases, the malignancy is still confined to the testicle at the time of diagnosis. As the cancer continues to grow, it can penetrate the capsule of the testicle and invade surrounding tissue such as the epididymis or spermatic cord.
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By infecting lymphatic vessels, cancer cells can also reach nearby lymph nodes along the abdominal aorta. Once cancer cells enter the bloodstream, they can spread through the bloodstream to other tissues and organs and form metastases, usually in the lungs. Despite the formation of metastases, according to German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) However, most men with testicular cancer have a good chance of being cured.
This article only contains general information about the health topic in question and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not, in any way, replace a visit to a doctor. Our editorial team is not permitted to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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