Testicular cancer is one of the most common malignancies in men aged 15 to 45 years. Etiology is multifactorial, comprising various genetic and environmental factors. The incidence of testicular cancer has been increasing over recent years, gaining increased significance due to the long impact both the disease and its treatment can have over the course of a patient's life.
It is classified into two major categories: germ cell tumors (GCTs), which account for ~95% of all testicular cancers, and non-germ cell tumors (sex cord-stromal tumors such as Leydig cell and Sertoli cell tumors, which are mostly benign).
Risk Factors
Some common risk factors include:
- Cryptorchidism (undescended testis) is the most established risk factor
- Family history
- Infections with HPV, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Testicular trauma
- Genetic risk factors
Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms include:
- A bump or lump on the testes
- Constant dull ache in the lower belly
- Enlargement or tenderness in the chest area
- Sudden swelling in the scrotum
- A sensation of heaviness or dragging in the scrotum
Treatment Options
Its treatment usually involves surgery. Radical orchiectomy via inguinal approach is the universal first step - both diagnostic and therapeutic, and biopsy via the scrotum is strictly avoided to prevent altering lymphatic drainage and staging. Surgery is either done to remove the testicle or lymph nodes (if they are affected). The other treatment option includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Why Zydus
Uro-oncology encompasses some of the most common (prostate, bladder) and some of the most biologically different (testicular, RCC) cancers in medicine. Early detection, genetic counseling for hereditary syndromes, and multidisciplinary care remain cornerstones of optimal management.
