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One in 250 men faces testicular cancer during their lifetime. The average age of diagnosis is 33, but 6% of cases are diagnosed in adolescents, and 8% are found in men 55 or older. The team at Urology Associates has years of experience treating men with testicular cancer, using advanced chemotherapy and multidisciplinary treatment with the goal of a cure.
More than 90% of testicular cancer originates in germ cells, which are responsible for making sperm. However, there are several types of germ cells and other testicular cells where cancer may grow.
The cell where it begins determines the type of cancer. Each type has different characteristics, such as the rate at which it grows, its risk for spreading, and the age at which most men develop that type of testicular cancer.
The first sign of testicular cancer is usually a lump in the testicle. Some men may have a swollen, enlarged, or painful testicle. With such noticeable symptoms, many men get in the habit of regular testicular self-exams, so signs of cancer are detected at an early stage.
Any change in your testicle, whether one testicle feels firmer, grows larger, or becomes smaller than the other, is a possible sign of testicular cancer that should be evaluated by your doctor.
You may also experience symptoms such as a dull ache in your lower abdomen or groin.
Though rare, testicular cancers can produce hormones that lead to breast tenderness or the growth of breast tissue. As testicular cancer progresses to an advanced stage, you may have symptoms such as swelling in one or both legs.
Your doctor will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan, and will support you throughout your treatment – beginning with pretreatment issues such as sperm banking and continuing through survivorship.
While testicular cancer is often treated with surgery, chemotherapy is essential in late-stage testicular cancer and to reduce the risk of recurrence. Your treatment may also include radiation therapy. Testicular cancer typically responds well to multidisciplinary treatment that’s developed with the goal of a cure.
In the event you need high-dose chemotherapy, the expert urologists at Urology Associates of Mobile may combine your treatment with a stem cell transplant to restore bone marrow that’s damaged by chemotherapy medications.
During this type of treatment, stem cells are removed from your bone marrow, frozen, and stored. After your chemotherapy is finished, the stem cells are infused back into your bone marrow, where they regenerate new blood cells.
For expert testicular cancer care, call your preferred Urology Associates of Mobile location.
If you have further questions or are experiencing symptoms of a urologic condition, call us or schedule an appointment today.
843-884-8045