Know Your Disease
Penile/Testicular Cancer
Overview
Testicular cancer develops in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, the loose green bag of skin under the penis. The testicles are responsible for producing sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Compared to some of the other cancer types, testicular cancer is rare.
This cancer type is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicles. Depending on the testicular cancer type and its stage, you can get one or more of the many treatments. According to the best cancer specialist in Kolkata, regular self-examinations can help identify growth early when the chances of successful cancer treatment are highest.
Identifying Testicular Cancer
Most lumps are found by chance. Although the painless mass – often detected by accident – is the most common symptom of testicular cancer, if it is injured, grows rapidly, or bleeds, the mass can become painful.
Sometimes, the affected person will notice a change in the size, shape, or appearance of the testicles, or he will feel it unusually tender. This is also a cause for concern.
If cancer spreads, it can cause back pain, abdominal pain, coughing, or difficulty breathing. Swelling of the breast or tender nipples can occur when the tumour causes excessive hormone production.
There is a connection between this cancer type and male infertility. It is often identified when a female partner is unable to conceive, and the couple investigates the cause of infertility.
Early Signs
Testicular cancer is so rare that it is easy for patients to ignore and for oncologists to misdiagnose.
If you have any of the following symptoms, bring it to the attention of your urology cancer doctor in Kolkata immediately, as early treatment can save your life and your fertility.
- A lump in either testicle
- Pain in the lower back
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Delaying a doctor’s visit in the hope that the lumps will go away on their own or be ashamed of having lumps, can cause you to lose fertility and risk your life.