Testicular Cancer in Panama
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that occurs mostly in a single testicle, although in some even rarer cases, it has developed in both.
Basically, the first manifestation of this is the development of a lump or lump in the testicle, whose cancer cells reproduce very quickly and must be attacked as soon as possible.
However, it is a highly treatable neoplasm, even when there is already spread to other parts of the body.
Some of the treatments for testicular cancer include surgery and chemotherapy.
Causes of testicular cancer
It is still not certain why testicular cancer originates; but mostly, it appears and develops in germ cells (those responsible for producing sperm).
However, recent research indicates that testicular cancer can be caused by variations in chromosomes that turn oncogenes on or off tumor suppressor genes.
Symptoms of testicular cancer
Among the symptoms that manifest in the patient with testicular cancer, the following stand out:
- Swelling in the scrotum.
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
- Swelling in one or both testicles.
- Pain in the groin or abdominal region.
- Increased volume of breast tissue.
- Fluid buildup in the scrotum (hydrocele).
- Numbness in a testicle or scrotum.
- Swelling of one or both lower limbs.
Testicular Cancer Diagnosis Process
During the diagnostic phase of testicular cancer, the specialist requests a series of specific studies that allow him to establish the exact origin of the disease.
Echography
First, this test helps visualize the appearance of the tumor to determine if it is associated with any type of cancer.
Likewise, thanks to the ultrasound study it is possible to know if the formation has occurred inside or outside the testicle.
Blood tests
Second, blood sample testing helps detect proteins made by the cells that make up testicular cancer.
This test is known as tumor markers.
This test evaluates the values of beta-chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein, and lactate dehydrogenase.
If these values are above the normal parameter, this provides valuable information to the specialist.
Removal of the testicle
Finally, when the suspicion of cancer is high, the specialist will proceed with the removal of the testicle; which is taken to a laboratory for pathological analysis.
Treatments for Testicular Cancer
Treatment for testicular cancer is carried out by a multidisciplinary team made up of urologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, qualified auxiliaries and nurses, dietitians, among others.
Among the procedures that are part of the protocol to be followed to treat testicular cancer, the following stand out:
Surgery
There are two types of surgery used to treat testicular cancer:
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Removal of the testicle: Also called radical inguinal orchiectomy, it is the technique that is applied in most cases of testicular cancer.
It may be the only treatment to use when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and there is no spread beyond the testicle.
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Lymph node removal: This surgery applies when there is a suspicion that the cancer has spread beyond the testicular area.
It is a procedure frequently applied to seminoma testicular cancer.
Chemotherapy
It is usually a treatment used after surgery. However, when testicular cancer is at a very advanced stage, it is usually used earlier. Chemotherapy causes certain side effects such as fatigue, hearing loss, and increased risk of infection. Similarly, it has an effect on sperm production, which often resumes on its own after treatment is completed except in exceptional cases.
Radiotherapy
As we know, radiotherapy is directed towards the specific area where the tumour is located and, as with chemotherapy; It is recommended after testicle removal surgery. This treatment also causes side effects to the patient, including tiredness and nausea, decreased sperm count, and impaired fertility.
Immunotherapy
The latter treatment is based on drugs that help the immune system destroy the presence of cancer cells. In particular, immunotherapy is frequently used among patients with advanced testicular cancer, who have received other treatments without achieving favorable results.
Importance of Early Detection of Testicular Cancer
Early detection of testicular cancer gives you the chance to use a variety of treatment options and get professional help early to prevent the cancer from spreading to other organs.
Although this type of cancer is almost always recognizable by the manifestation of symptoms, there are patients in whom it is only possible to identify it through a physical examination.
Stages of Testicular Cancer
As with all types of cancer, there are several stages to identify the degree of progression in which the patient with testicular cancer is.
Stage 0
Also called in situ germ cell neoplasia, it is the stage that concentrates abnormal cells in the tubules where sperm is produced.
In either case, the chance that these cells will become cancerous is high and they can spread quickly if no treatment is applied in the short term.
Stage I
At this stage, cancer is seen to be present in the testicle, and possibly spread to the blood vessels and lymphatic ducts.
It may also have spread to the epididymis, spermatic cord, and/or scrotum.
At this point, tumor markers oscillate a little higher than normal.
Stage II
Cancer is found anywhere in the testicle and the likelihood of spread to the spermatic cord, scrotum and lymph nodes is a fact.
In fact, stage II cancer involves more than 5 lymph nodes, one or two of which are smaller than 5 cm.
Tumor markers continue to show higher than normal levels.
Stage III
At this point there is a greater spread of testicular cancer, because it is already present in the scrotum, spermatic cord, distant lymph nodes and even to the lung.
The affected lymph nodes are usually more than three and larger than or equal to 5 cm; also including tumor markers with a high concentration of cancer cells.
Stage IV
It is considered the terminal stage of testicular cancer, which has already spread to various parts of the body, including the distant lymph nodes, lung, liver, and bones.
In short, the patient is already in what is technically called metastasis and in these cases the treatments applied are mainly aimed at relieving pain.
Types of cancer that affect the testicles
There are basically two types of cancer in the testicles, which are very well differentiated:
Seminoma
It is a type of cancer that is frequently seen in elderly patients. In particular, seminomas develop and spread more slowly than the nonseminoma type of testicular cancer.
Non-seminoma
On the other hand, nonseminoma cancer manifests itself mostly at a younger age and is a type of cancer that spreads and develops very quickly.
Within the type of nonseminoma testicular cancer there is an additional classification, consisting of:
-Choriocarcinoma
- Embryonal carcinoma
-Teratoma
- Yolk sac tumor
Nursing Care in Patients with Testicular Cancer
While the stages of diagnosis and treatment are essential for the cancer patient, professional or palliative care in nursing will not be long in coming.
For a patient with testicular cancer, it is very important to follow the instructions of the medical team and have qualified personnel to provide assistance in the following areas of care:
- Administer medications as directed.
- Assist with meals so that the patient does not fall into malnutrition.
- Help with activities that the patient used to do on a daily basis.
- Maintain contact with the treating medical team.
- Provide psychological support.
- Give relief from pain or side effects.
- Accompaniment to follow-up appointments.
- Provide adequate physical care.
- Keep a record of patient information.
How to prevent testicular cancer?
Although some studies reveal that there is no way to prevent testicular cancer; Health professionals recommend regular self-exams at bath time.
In the case of detection by touch, it is important to become aware and make this practice part of the daily routine.
However, palpating a tumor in time does not reduce its probability of appearance or avoid the risk of death from this cause.
Frequently asked questions
Our questions are frequently asked by patients who visit us and want quick answers about this and other topics of interest.
At what stage does testicular cancer become terminal?
In stage IV, as this is where most cancer metastasizes.
Is testicular cancer hereditary?
Studies show that a young man who has an immediate family member (brother or father) with testicular cancer increases the likelihood that he will also get it. However, testicular cancer occurs in a very small number of families.
In most cases, men with testicular cancer have no history of testicular cancer.
How deadly is testicular cancer?
The survival rate for testicular cancer to 5 years is 95% (that is, out of every 95 men with testicular cancer, they will live more than 5 years after being diagnosed).
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