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If you are between 20-40 years and have any of these symptoms or complaints, you should have test for testicular cancer.

· Undescended Testes (can’t find a testes in scrotum)

· Palpable Mass in scrotum

· Previous testicular cancer

· Lower Abdominal Pain

· Recent unexplained weight loss

· Appetite changes

· Testicular mass

· Testicular Pain or discomfort

· Abdominal swelling or mass

· Abdominal fullness

Testicular Cancer

Question 2. What is the blood test for Testicular Cancer?

 

Cancer cells by their nature produce excess chemicals or proteins called tumour markers that overflow into circulation. These markers can be detected by blood tests using antibodies to capture them. The markers used in testicular cancer diagnosis are: beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).  Very high levels of these chemical markers are a sign of cancer and metastasis or recurrence. These can be used to measure success of various forms of treatment. If the treatment has been successful, the levels of the tumour markers should fall back into the normal range.

 

Depending on your doctors protocol, samples of your blood will also be taken regularly throughout your treatment to check your general health and the effect that any treatment may be having on the normal cells in your blood.

Question 1. What is Testicular Cancer

Question 3. When should be tested for Testicular Cancer?

Question 4. How is it diagnosed?

Question 6. What other test are available?

AFP and b-HCG are measured on a small sample of blood. Specific antibody is used to trap circulating Marker from serum and level is quantified and reported. For most patients only one tube of blood is needed for all the tests. Fasting is not needed and no special preparation is required prior to sample collection.

 

 

Question 7. How is Testicular cancer Treated?

 

Often a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are used to treat testicular cancers. Radiation is a common follow-up treatment, especially for seminomas. These tumours are particularly sensitive to it, while non-seminomas tend to be more resistant.

Chemotherapy may also be used, especially when treating advanced or resistant cases. Depending on the tumour’s characteristics, AFP or hCG levels may also be measured to monitor response to treatment and to watch for possible recurrence. Doctors may also use x-rays and CT (computerised tomography) scans as regular monitoring tools.

Testicular cancer treatments continue to evolve. Since every case of testicular cancer and every patient’s response is unique, you should work with your doctor and/or cancer team to determine the best course of action for you.

An ultrasound also may be done during an initial evaluation. This technique uses sound waves to visualize the presence, size, and consistency of a testicular mass (tumour) and is used to help differentiate cancer from other conditions, such as infection.

The only way to be sure whether a testicular mass is cancerous is to do a biopsy. An incision is made in the groin and the testicle and spermatic cord (which contains the vas deferens) are taken out of the scrotum. In some rare cases, a tissue sample can be tested immediately and the testicle returned to the body if the condition is not cancerous; however, in most cases, the affected testicle and vas deferens are permanently removed.

If the lump is cancerous, a pathologist will establish what type of testicular cancer is present and assist in determining how far the cancer has spread (staging the cancer). Treatment options will depend on the type and stage of cancer.

Testicular cancer is a condition where the cells within the testis grow and divide abnormally and a tumour grows in the testis. The testes are a pair of oval-shaped glands that are suspended. Although a relatively rare disease, testicular cancer is the second most common form of cancer amongst men aged 18-39.

 

However, the outlook is positive for those diagnosed with this disease.  About 95% of men survive testicular cancer.  Most men go on to live full and active lives. Treatment for testicular cancer does not normally affect sexuality, masculinity or erectile function. While men go through chemotherapy or radiotherapy as part of their treatment can become infertile, in Western Countries sperm storage before starting this treatment can usually give them the option of fathering children should their fertility be affected.

 

Early detection is essential for the best outcome.   The earlier testicular cancer is found, the less aggressive the treatment needs to be and the better the outcome.

Question 5. What if my test is abnormal?

All abnormal test will be referred to your doctor. You should see your doctor for explanation and further follow-up. Note that tumour marker testing is supplementary tests and should only be interpreted together with findings of scan and clinical information.