The Facts of Life: Medical Museum: University of Iowa Health Care: Examining Reproductive Health

The Facts of Life: Examining Reproductive Health

Cancers

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is of special concern to young men. It can occur any time after the age of 15, but its highest incidence is found in men between the ages of 18-36. Although testicular cancer accounts for only about 1 percent of all cancers in men, testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men ages 20 to 35. Men whose testicles have not descended into the scrotum and those whose testicles descended after the age of 6 are 3 to 17 times more likely to develop testicular cancer. White men are 4 times more likely to develop this cancer than black men. The rate of Hispanic men fall between these figures.

Testicles are the male reproductive organs; they produce and store sperm. These smooth and oval-shaped organs are located below the penis in a sac of skin known as the scrotum. The testicles produce testosterone, the male hormone responsible for such male traits as facial and body hair and lower voice pitch.

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a small, painless lump in a testicle or a slightly enlarged testicle. As it is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than another, it is important for men to become familiar with their own testicles through regular self-examinations.

Other symptoms include feelings of heaviness in the scrotum, aches in the lower stomach or groin, a change in the way a testicle feels, or a sudden accumulation of blood or fluid in the scrotum. However, infections can produce similar sensations.

As recently as fifteen years ago, testicular cancer was often fatal because it spread quickly to vital organs. Due to advances in treatment and more men conducting self-examinations testicular cancer is one of the today's most curable cancers.

How To Do TSE
TSE, or Testicular Self-Exam, is a simple and painless procedure that can increase a man's chances at early detection of a tumor. Men should perform TSE at least once a month, especially after a warm shower or bath when the skin of the scrotum is fully relaxed.

Examine each testicle gently with both hands. The index and middle fingers should be placed underneath the testicle while the thumbs are placed on the top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers. One testicle may be larger than the other. This is normal.
The epididymis is a cord-like structure on the top and back of the testicle that stores and transports the sperm. Do not confuse the epididymis with an abnormal lump.
Feel for any abnormal lumps-about the size of a pea-on the front or side of the testicle. These lumps are usually painless.

Testicular cancers generally develop in only one testicle; only one testicle is needed for full sexual function. If you do find a lump, contact your doctor immediately.

Last modification date: Mon Jun 5 13:47:58 2006
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /depts/medmuseum/galleryexhibits/factsoflife/cancers/testicular.html