Testicular Cancer

What is Testicular Cancer ?

Testicular cancer occurs when cells in the testicles grow and multiply uncontrollably, damaging surrounding tissue and interfering with the normal function of the testicle. If the disease spreads, it is still called testicular cancer.

The testicles (also called testes) are a pair of male sex glands that are in a sac-like pouch (the scrotum) under the penis. They produce and store sperm and also are the body’s main source of male hormones. These hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and male characteristics.

Testicular cancer occurs most often in younger men. It is the most-often diagnosed cancer in men between ages 20 and 34.

However, it accounts for only 1% of all cancers that occur in men. When the cancer is detected early, there is a nearly 99% chance for successful treatment. Approximately 9,300 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed each year. The disease’s five-year survival rate is more than 95%.

Testicular Cancer Types:

There are two basic types, each with subtypes:
Germ cell tumors occur in the cells that produce sperm. Tumor types include:

  • Seminomas, the type found most often, are responsible for half of most testes cancer cases. They are generally slow growing and responsive to treatment.
  • Nonseminomas tend to grow and spread faster than seminomas.

 

Tumor types include:

    • Embryonal carcinoma (about 20% of testicular cancers)
    • Yolk sac carcinoma (most often occurs in infants and young boys)
    • Choriocarcinoma, a rare and extremely aggressive cancer
    • Teratomas

 

Stromal tumors occur in the testicular tissue where hormones are produced.

Stromal tumor types include:

  • Leydig cell tumors, which occur in cells that produce male sex hormones
  • Sertoli cell tumors, which occur in cells that nourish germ cells

 Risk Factors associated with Testicular Cancer:

*Anything that increases your chance of getting this cancer is a risk factor. These include:

  • Age: Most cases occur between the ages of 15 and 40, and testicular cancer is the type of cancer found most often in men ages 20 to 34.
  • Race: White men are five to 10 times more likely to develop this cancer than men of other races.
  • Family or personal history of the same cancer
  • Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism): Men with testicles that did not move down into the scrotum before birth are at increased risk. Men who had surgery to correct this condition are still at high risk of testicular cancer.
  • Abnormal testicular development
  • Klinefelter’s syndrome: A sex chromosome disorder characterized by low levels of male hormones, sterility, breast enlargement, and small testes
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS
  • Previous treatment for testicular cancer

*Not everyone with risk factors gets affected. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor.

In rare cases, testicular cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you.

How can ACH help you get specialised treatment in Mauritius?

At ACH, a team of experts targets each patient’s testicular cancer, providing customized care to match your unique disease and circumstances. These highly focused physicians, as well as a specially trained support staff, personalize your care to ensure the most-advanced treatments with the least impact on your body.

Treatment for  cancer of the testicles frequently requires surgery. Procedures, especially those to remove lymph glands, are delicate and require a high level of skill.
Our surgeons are experienced in testicular cancer. They employ the latest techniques, which may mean less recovery time, fewer side effects, and faster healing for many patients.

If the cancer spreads, strong doses of chemotherapy may be needed. Our experienced oncologists take great care in selecting the best treatment for you. If a stem-cell transplant is necessary,