Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the formation of cancerous cells in the testicles. The testicles are the male reproductive glands. They are located in the membranous pouch below the penis and are suspended from the body by the spermatic cord. The testicles produce male reproductive cells called sperm and a hormone called testosterone. In 95% of cases, testicular cancer is treated successfully.
SYMPTOMS
Testicular cancer does not always produce symptoms. The two most common symptoms are:
- A mass or lump found in the testicles
- Production of high levels of hormones in the body
TREATMENT
The treatment of testicular cancer depends on the stage of the disease. The treatment options are:
- Radical inguinal orchiectomy: is the removal of the testicle and the spermatic cord.
- Radiation Therapy: uses high energy x-rays to shrink tumors and destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: uses toxic drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy: surgery to remove lymph nodes to stage/cure/diagnose spread of testicular cancer.