Understanding the Causes and Risk Factors
Your risk of developing cancer is influenced by various factors, such as lifestyle choices (like smoking and diet), as well as genetic and environmental influences. These factors, known as risk factors, may increase or decrease your likelihood of getting cancer.
While the exact cause of most testicular cancer cases remains unclear, certain factors may increase your chances of developing it.
It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors does not guarantee you will develop testicular cancer.
Abnormal cells in the testicles (germ cell neoplasia in situ or GCNIS)
Risk factors for Testicular cancer
Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism) and Testicular Cancer Risk
One of the most significant risk factors for testicular cancer is cryptorchidism, a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum before birth or shortly after.
Normally, a baby boy’s testicles develop in the abdomen and move into the scrotum during late pregnancy or within the first year of life. When this doesn’t happen naturally, medical intervention such as surgery may be required.
The risk of developing testicular cancer is greater in men who:
Did not have the condition corrected
Underwent surgery after the ages of 11 to 13
Even when the testicle is eventually repositioned, the risk remains higher than average. Early correction can help reduce but not eliminate this increased risk.
Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ (GCNIS): A Warning Sign, Not Yet Cancer
Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ (GCNIS) refers to the presence of abnormal cells in the testicle. While it’s not cancer, it can be a precursor to testicular cancer, especially in cases diagnosed after puberty. GCNIS was previously known as carcinoma in situ (CIS).
This condition usually causes no lumps or symptoms, making it hard to detect without a testicular biopsy. Biopsies may be performed during investigations for other issues, such as infertility.
If left untreated, GCNIS develops into cancer in about 50% of cases within five years. To reduce that risk, doctors may recommend:
Radiotherapy
Surgical removal of the testicle (orchidectomy)
Active surveillance with regular check-ups and scans.
Abnormal cells in the testicles (germ cell neoplasia in situ or GCNIS)
Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) means there are abnormal cells in the testicle, but it isn’t cancer. There are usually no lumps or other symptoms. It was previously known as carcinoma in situ (CIS). Most testicular cancers that are found after puberty likely start from GCNIS. If untreated, GCNIS can turn into cancer in about half of the cases within 5 years. Doctors might find GCNIS during a testicular biopsy, which is sometimes done to check for infertility. To prevent cancer, you might receive treatment like radiotherapy or surgery, or doctors might just monitor you closely for any signs of cancer.
Family History
If a man has a brother or father who has had testicular cancer, his risk of getting the disease is higher.
– Men with a father who had testicular cancer are about 4-5 times more likely to develop it.
– Men with a brother who had testicular cancer are around 8-9 times more likely to get it.
This increased risk is partly due to genetic factors, where changes in certain genes may play a role.
Previous Testicular Cancer
If you’ve already had testicular cancer, there’s a higher chance you could develop cancer in your other testicle. It’s crucial to keep up with your follow-up appointments after treatment to monitor your health closely.
Abnormality of the penis and urethra (Hypospadias)
Men who are born with a condition known as hypospadias, which affects the development of the penis and urethra, have a higher likelihood of developing testicular cancer.
HIV or Aids
People living with HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer. However, it’s important to note that most cases of testicular cancer are not related to being HIV positive. Antiviral medications used to treat HIV/AIDS may help reduce this increased risk, according to some studies.
Other possible causes:
Stories about what might cause cancer often appear in the media, but it can be hard to know which ones are backed by solid evidence. You may come across other potential causes that aren’t mentioned here. This is either because there’s no strong evidence to support them or because the evidence is still unclear.
Daignosis
Testicular cancer occurs when cells in a testicle grow uncontrollably. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system
Treatment Options
A team of healthcare professionals (multidisciplinary team) will determine your treatment plan.