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Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. It’s often treated successfully when caught early. At Mission City Urology in San Antonio, Texas, Arpan Satsangi, MD, PhD, provides expert evaluations, diagnostics, and personalized treatment tailored to each patient’s specific condition. Dr. Satsangi is dedicated to providing discreet, supportive care throughout your diagnosis and recovery. Call Mission City Urology today or schedule a consultation online if you notice any changes in your testicles.
Testicular Cancer Q & A
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer starts in one or both testicles, the small glands inside the scrotum that make sperm and testosterone. While it’s rare compared to other cancers, testicular cancer is the most widespread cancer affecting young men between 15 and 35.
It usually begins when healthy cells in the testicle mutate and grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass. In advanced cases, cancer cells spread to other organs and tissues around your body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. This is called metastasis.
What symptoms does testicular cancer cause?
The most telling sign of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in one testicle. You might also notice a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, discomfort or pain in the testicle, or changes in how your testicle feels.
Some men with testicular cancer have no pain at all. That’s why you must check yourself regularly and report any changes to your doctor.
What causes testicular cancer?
The exact cause of testicular cancer isn’t always clear, but certain risk factors increase your chances. These include:
- A family history of testicular cancer
- An undescended testicle
- Abnormal testicular development
Most testicular cancers develop in the germ cells. These are the cells in your testicles responsible for producing sperm.
How is testicular cancer diagnosed?
If you notice something unusual, like a lump in your testicle, Dr. Satsangi performs a physical exam. An ultrasound shows a clear image of the testicle. Blood tests check for tumor markers.
If Dr. Satsangi suspects testicular cancer, he’ll likely need to remove the affected testicle. He sends it for lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Is testicular cancer treatable?
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when found early.
Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the testicle. Depending on the nature and stage of your cancer, Dr. Satsangi will recommend additional treatment like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Can I still have children after testicular cancer treatment?
Many men can still have children after testicular cancer treatment. However, some treatments do affect fertility. If that’s a concern, Dr. Satsangi will discuss sperm banking before treatment. This involves harvesting sperm samples and freezing them for future use.
If you notice a lump, swelling, or other changes in your testicles, don’t wait. Early detection saves lives. Call Mission City Urology today or book an appointment online for first-class testicular cancer diagnosis and treatment.