Symptoms of testicular cancer to be aware of include constant, dull pain in the lower abdomen or groin areas. Even if it comes and goes, you’d be better off safe than sorry going to get it checked out by your primary care physician. Also, if you notice that one testicle unexpectedly grows or shrinks you should be concerned. If sex is painful, there is blood in your semen or if you don’t have much interest in sexual activity anymore, definitely talk to your doctor about it.

Nowadays, there is a wealth of information on the internet. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of testicular cancer, do a bit of research. Don’t try to talk yourself out of visiting your doctor, and absolutely don’t rely on the advice of internet strangers over your physician, but read up on it a bit. You might be surprised at what you can learn from visiting different forums and reading what people have to say. Up to 1 in 250 men in the United States will be diagnosed during his lifetime. Since the odds are already stacked against you, protect yourself.

Testicular Cancer if caught in the early stage – increases your chance of beating the disease. The earlier the treatment is administered for testicular cancer, the better the odds in upping the figures in survival rates.

Cancer treatments in today`s modern society has progressed most profoundly to that of the days of yesterday, thus resulting in treatments being a success, hence giving the patient a more positive outlook on life and more importantly positive results.
Abnormalities in the groin area (enlarged testicle) have often been confused as being a hernia, even so – more reason for seeking medical attention.

“If in doubt check it out” regardless of whatever the finding may be. Common of all cancers found in young males is – cancer of the testicles. The egg shaped sex glands in the scrotum that secrete male hormones and produce sperm, account for only one percent of all cancers in men. The staggering news is that in the western world (US 1995) figures totalled up to approximately – how – seven thousand men were expected to contract the disease.

In comparison with prostate cancer – which at the time of reports released, it was estimated that this particular type of cancer would kill forty thousand four hundred of its 244,000 victims. More alarming is that – facts show that testicular cancer is more recognized in young men ageing between15 to 34. Testicular Cancer is one of the most common of all cancers suffered in male species.

With advanced medicine (therapeutic drugs) and today`s society of improved diagnostics – along with your co-operation of early detection – can help prevent the disease from spreading. Testicular cancer can be beaten and is completely curable.
Accidental findings of testicular tumours can be quite frightening, but you may be worrying over something or nothing – speak to your doctor.

Regular self examination of the private parts is very important because, if you detect an odd sighting of an unusual lump – then it can be dealt with right away.

Abnormality symptoms like that of a pea, or egg size lump, (in fact any size) or enlarged swollen testicles, a feeling of heaviness or sudden flow of liquid in the scrotum, then you must consult your local GP immediately. Other symptoms similar to a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, or an unusual tenderness i.e. in the breasts are all conditions that need to be checked over by your physician.,

The three stages of testicular cancer explained:

First stage is where the cancer is restricted and confined to the testicle.
Second stage is where the cancer can spread to retroperitoneal lymph nodes which are situated to the rear of the body below the diaphragm. In more defined detail this is a muscular wall separating the chest cavity from the abdomen. And third of the three stages is where the disease can spread beyond the lymph nodes to remote places in the body. The key to a healthy future is to catch this disease in the infancy stage so it can be treated.

Causes of testicular cancer

The exact causes of testicular cancer are not known completely and are still a matter of research and analysis. However, the risk of testicular cancer is more for people who have a testicle that has failed to descend. Genes/ family history is generally quoted as another cause of testicular cancer.

Symptoms of testicular cancer

Swelling of a testicle could be the sign of testicular cancer. However, not all such swellings are testicular cancer. Such swellings could be caused by other conditions too (most of which are harmless). The lump (the testicular cancer) may or may not be accompanied by pain; so, do not consider the absence of pain as an indication of benign tissue. However, if you are in doubt then you should immediately contact a qualified doctor for advice. Detection of testicular cancer in its early stages can really prevent it from spreading around and substantially increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Diagnosis of testicular cancer

The first step in the diagnosis of testicular cancer is physical examination. The doctor can feel the lump and based on his/her observation recommend further testicular cancer tests. The next step is an ultrasound scan of the testes. The final diagnosis of testicular cancer involves biopsy. This test can confirm if the lump is malignant or benign. One important part of diagnosis of testicular cancer is to determine whether the testicular cancer is localized to that testicle or whether it has spread to other organs of the body.

Treatment of testicular cancer

As for most types of cancer, the treatment of testicular cancer too is done in three ways i.e. surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The best thing about the treatment of testicular cancer is that it is very successful for most patients. However, the golden rule that is applicable to all types of cancer is true for testicular cancer too i.e. catch it early to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Also, it’s worth noting that removal of one testicle (as part of surgical procedure for treatment of testicular cancer) doesn’t really effect your reproductive system (and if you want you can get a dummy testicle placed in the place of the removed testicle; just so it doesn’t look bad).