What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer or male gonadal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the testicles, which are responsible for producing sperm and the hormone testosterone, begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. This disease is not common and is usually easily treated. The treatment method depends on the type of cancer and its spread. What is testicular cancer? This disease, which is also called testicular tumor, male gonadal tumor or testicular neoplasia, occurs when malignant cells grow in the tissue of one of the testicles or, in rare cases, in the tissue of both testicles. This disease has different types, the most common of which are: - Seminoma cancer: This disease usually occurs in the 40s and 50s and progresses slowly. There is a small chance that seminoma cancer will spread to other areas of the body. - **Non-seminoma cancer:** This disease usually occurs in late adolescence, 20s and early 30s. Non-seminoma cancer progresses and spreads rapidly. There are several subtypes of this cancer, including choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, and yolk sac tumor. ### 1. The difference between testicular and prostate cancer Both diseases are cancers of the male reproductive system, but they differ from each other in several ways. For example: - Male gonadal cancer occurs mostly in men aged 15 to 45. But prostate cancer usually affects men over 50 years old. - Male gonadal cancer is associated with the formation of a mass in the testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, pain in the testicle, back or groin, and swelling of the scrotum; While prostate cancer leads to frequent urination, weakness or interruption of urine flow, and the presence of blood in the urine or semen. ### 2. The difference between varicocele and testicular cancer Varicocele refers to the swelling of the veins of the scrotum. This disease sometimes has no symptoms; But in other cases, it may be associated with mild symptoms such as swelling of the scrotum or a vague pain in the testicle. Varicocele is not fatal and does not require treatment if it does not cause problems. However, it is one of the common causes of infertility. Symptoms of malignant testicular cancer Sometimes testicular cancer is painful. This pain is felt in the testicle, scrotum, back, lower abdomen or groin. Other symptoms of advanced testicular cancer include the following. - The presence of a lump or bump in one of the testicles - Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum - Sudden swelling of the scrotum - Enlargement of breast tissue or its sensitivity to touch Male gonadal tumor usually occurs only in one of the testicles. Is testicular cancer fatal? Whether testicular cancer is dangerous or whether testicular cancer causes death is a common question of many patients. In response, we must say that male gonadal tumor can be fatal, but this is rare. Death due to testicular cancer depends on the time of diagnosis. The sooner you see a doctor, the more chances you have to get rid of the disease. What is the effect of testicular cancer on marital relationship? If only one testicle is surgically removed, sexual function will not be affected. Because the remaining testicle is able to produce enough testosterone to maintain libido. However, if the testosterone level was low before the operation, it may decrease further after the surgery, in which case the patient needs hormone replacement. If both testicles are removed, the situation becomes more complicated. The body no longer has the ability to produce testosterone, which can lead to a decrease in libido and problems such as erectile dysfunction. In such situations, testosterone replacement therapy will be necessary to maintain sexual health. ### Does testicular cancer cause infertility? If you want to know about the relationship between testicular cancer and fertility, we must say that both cancer and its treatment can cause infertility. Men who plan to have children in the future should save sperm before starting treatment. However, cancer may reduce sperm count, making it difficult to obtain a high-quality sample. Time to see a doctor Timely diagnosis of male gonadal tumor can increase the success rate of treatment and improve the patient's quality of life. If you notice a lump in your testicle or the pain and swelling of the testicle continues for more than 2 weeks, see a urologist. > Kausar Pathobiology Specialized Laboratory, proud to obtain ISO 15189, ISO 10002 and ISO 9001 of the European Union, under the supervision of Dr. Ali Ayatollahi, an anatomical and clinical pathology specialist, covers more than a thousand cases of various tests in the fields of pathology, genetics and clinical. (Contract party of basic insurances and most supplementary insurances) Also, genetic counseling is provided free of charge in this center by experts.* > > *Address: Mashhad - Vakilabad - Kausar Blvd. - between 2 and 4 Kausar - Farabi Doctors Building - negative one floor. Contact numbers: 051-38840404 and 051-38820202 and 09028840404* > > **Kowsar specialized laboratory, having the equipment and experienced personnel, is able to perform sampling services at home in Mashhad.**