TC Talk Blog

I just want to know, and I'm about to turn 13 and I'm going through puberty. Any fellow teens or adults who remember this stage help! And if testicular cancer can occur, what are the symptoms and is it contagious and deadly? Thanks a lot!

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men between the ages of 15 and 35, but the disease also occurs in other age groups, so all men should be aware of its symptoms. While testicular cancer is common among young men, young men typically do not develop any kind of cancer, so overall, testicular cancer is a relatively rare disease. This form of cancer is almost always curable if it is found early. Most testicular cancers are found by men themselves, either as a painless lump, a hardening or change in size of the testicle, or pain in the testicle. Children born with an undescended testicle have an increased risk of getting testicular cancer, regardless of whether surgery is done to correct the problem. However, the surgery should still be done to preserve fertility. The theory is that the increased risk of testicular cancer is due to whatever caused the undescended testicle, not just by the fact that the testicle was undescended so enjoy playing with your little bugger

My 12 yo Appaloosa stallion has been dropping weight for the last couple of months. His back and hips are sore (which may be due to some other problem). About 10 days ago I noticed one testicle looked a little different than the other. Since then the place I noticed has turned into a soft lump. Within the past few days he has started to draw the testicle up some. If this is testicular cancer is the prognosis good?

I would have him examined by a vet immediately! Having stood numerous stallions over the years including ApHC what you are dealing with is abnormal.

If he has grey skin, he may have sarcoid tumors. If these tumors grow up inside the sheath they can turn cancerous very quickly and spread to the testes. I love my daughter dear pony to this several years ago. While he was gelded, it spread into his abdomen. By the time I got him to Perdue for a work up it was too late. How I wish I could have caught it early!

Weight loss, soreness over the loins, bumps - those were all symptoms I encountered and wrote off as something else - Hurry Quick call your vet. If they don't know seek out a university hospital ASAP I wish I had!

This argument makes no sense! I am sure that if I got neutered that I wouldn't get testicular cancer either.

I think that if someone uses this as an argument to have a dog neutered that they should have their brain removed to avoid brain cancer.

I've never heard this proposed as a reason for neutering dogs. I suppose technically it is true, but I am not aware that dogs tend to be especially susceptible to testicular cancer more so than other kinds of cancers, or even to cancers in general. As such, it is a very weak argument.

EDIT: Nick:

I did not say anything false. I did not say dogs never got testicular cancer. I said that I was not aware that dogs were especially susceptible to testicular cancer as compared to other kinds of cancers, or that dogs were especially susceptible to cancers in general as compared to other canine diseases.

While I am sorry that you have lost your dog to this illness, in the future I would advise you to carefully read other people's words before you start flaming them.

I was just wondering how testicular cancer is caused, and what are signs of it?

Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction.

Testicular cancer can result in a number of signs and SYMPTOMS. These may include:

-A lump or enlargement in either testicle
-A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
-A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
-A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
-Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
-Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
-Unexplained fatigue or a general feeling of not being well
-Cancer usually affects only one testicle.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS-

-Nearly all testicular cancers begin in the germ cells — the cells in the testicles that produce immature sperm. What causes germ cells to become abnormal and develop into cancer isn't known.

-An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). The testes form in the abdominal area during fetal development and usually descend into the scrotum before birth. Men who have a testicle that never descended are at greater risk of testicular cancer than are other men are. The risk remains, even if the testicle has been surgically relocated to the scrotum. Still, the majority of men who develop testicular cancer don't have a history of undescended testicles.

-Abnormal testicle development. Conditions that cause testicles to develop abnormally, such as Klinefelter's syndrome, may increase your risk of testicular cancer.

-Family history. If other family members have had testicular cancer, you may have an increased risk.

-Age. Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 34. However, it can occur at any age.
Race. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men. The reason for racial differences in the incidence of testicular cancer is unknown. -

How do you get tested for testicular cancer BEFORE its too late?

There are certain blood values that would be increased or decreased with ANY type of cancer, so a blood test would be a good idea.

how do you check if you have testicular Cancer. and how often should you check?

In the shower, you feel around for any unsusally lumps or growths

once a month

What do you look for, and how do you know what you're looking for? How many times should a man do this self-check up?

Thanks in advance.

The testicular self-examination (TSE) is an easy way for guys to check their own testicles to make sure there aren't any unusual lumps or bumps — which can be the first sign of testicular cancer.

Although testicular cancer is rare in teenage guys, overall it is the most common cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35. It's important to try to do a TSE every month so you can become familiar with the normal size and shape of your testicles, making it easier to tell if something feels different or abnormal in the future.

Here's what to do:

* It's best to do a TSE during or right after a hot shower or bath. The scrotum (skin that covers the testicles) is most relaxed then, which makes it easier to examine the testicles.
* Examine one testicle at a time. Use both hands to gently roll each testicle (with slight pressure) between your fingers. Place your thumbs over the top of your testicle, with the index and middle fingers of each hand behind the testicle, and then roll it between your fingers.
* You should be able to feel the epididymis (the sperm-carrying tube), which feels soft, rope-like, and slightly tender to pressure, and is located at the top of the back part of each testicle. This is a normal lump.
* Remember that one testicle (usually the right one) is slightly larger than the other for most guys — this is also normal.
* When examining each testicle, feel for any lumps or bumps along the front or sides. Lumps may be as small as a piece of rice or a pea.
* If you notice any swelling, lumps, or changes in the size or color of a testicle, or if you have any pain or achy areas in your groin, let your doctor know right away.

Lumps or swelling may not be cancer, but they should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Testicular cancer is almost always curable if it is caught and treated early.

Most abnormalities of the testes are found during a self-examination or routine physical exam by a health professional. If testicular cancer is suspected, your health professional may want to perform other tests, including:

* Testicular ultrasound. This test may be used to rule out other possible causes of an enlarged or painful testicle before the testicle is removed. Ultrasound is a test that uses reflected sound waves to produce an image of organs and other structures in the body. Unlike many other imaging tests, an ultrasound does not use X-rays or other types of possibly harmful radiation.
* Blood tests, which are often performed in order to measure the levels of tumor markers in your blood. Tumor markers are substances that appear in your bloodstream when cancer is present. Tumor marker levels are monitored at all stages of treatment for testicular cancer.
* Imaging tests, such as chest X-ray and CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

If the testicular ultrasound and blood tests suggest testicular cancer, a doctor will surgically remove your affected testicle. This procedure, called a radical inguinal orchiectomy, is done to confirm a diagnosis of testicular cancer. Following orchiectomy, a pathologist will examine tissue from the testicle under a microscope (biopsy). If cancer is found, you may have other imaging tests to see whether your cancer has spread beyond the testes, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs of the abdomen, chest, and head.

Ongoing exams and tests

During your treatment for testicular cancer, your health professional will schedule a thorough follow-up program to monitor your recovery, especially if you participate in a watchful waiting (or surveillance) program after your initial treatment. These exams and tests may continue for several years following your treatment. In addition to physical exams, your specific follow-up program may include:

* Periodic imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans.
* Blood tests to check the levels of tumor markers in your blood. Tumor marker levels that are stable or increasing after you've had treatment may be a sign of more cancer.

Early detection

Testicular self-examination (TSE) may detect testicular cancer at an early stage. Many testicular cancers are first discovered by self-examination as a painless lump or an enlarged testicle.

Some health professionals recommend that men between the ages of 15 and 40 perform monthly testicular self-examination. However, this is controversial. Many health professionals do not believe monthly TSE is necessary for men who are at average risk of developing testicular cancer. Monthly TSE may be recommended for men who are at high risk of developing testicular cancer. This includes men with a history of an undescended testicle or a family or personal history of testicular cancer.

igns and symptoms

A testicular mass can be palpated. Because testicular cancer is curable (stage I can have a success rate of >90%) when detected early, experts recommend regular monthly testicular self-

I live in St. John's, NL. But I come from Australia so I don't have a family doctor here. There is a lump on one of my testicules and it seems to be growing. I don't know what to do and I'm scared. I'm only 21 years old so I don't want to lose you know. I know the chance of curing is high for testicular cancer, but I'm still scared. Where should I go to for more help and who should I see? Thank you guys.

Certain types of Testicular cancer are more common in younger men. If you don't have a regular doctor, go to a clinic for an exam. Testicular cancer can be rapid growing. If you are feeling the lump getting bigger, time is of the essence. You can survive with only one testicle. But if it metastasizes, you could lose more than a testicle.
Google 'Tom Green+Testicular Cancer'. Tom Green is a young comedian who had his own show back in the early 90's. He married Drew Barrymore, but divorced less than 2 years later. He had testicular cancer, and televised the operation, to destigmatize the procedure. These are just a couple of links about him.
Good luck

http://www.tc-cancer.com/tomgreen.html

http://users.tpg.com.au/users/cnicholl/tom_green.htm

I was also wondering how long it would take for it to start to spread and how long a person has to have testicular cancer before they may die?

Testicular cancer, or any cancer, does not really change grades it is what it is. A higher grade is a more aggressive cancer and will spread faster than a lower one. Men do not often die from this cancer, as it is very treatable even in the late stages. However, if one did not get treated it would likely take more than 3-4 years.

5 years ago i had bep chemo to clear me of testicular cancer, whats the chance of it recurring after all this time?

If you're five years out your chances of recurrence are quite luck. Congrats! If you want more info you might want to check some of the links here. There are five different groups here http://acnwresourcepages.blogspot.com/search/label/Testicular%20Cancer