What is Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer occurs when cells in a testicle grow uncontrollably. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system.
The testicles
The testicles are two small, oval-shaped organs located below the penis, enclosed in a skin pouch called the scrotum.
Image of the testicles (cruk)
Starting from puberty, the testicles begin producing sperm. Inside the testicle, small tubes come together to form the epididymis, a single tube that becomes wider as it exits the testicle. This wider tube is known as the spermatic cord.
The spermatic cord leads to a short passage called the ejaculatory duct, which opens into the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis.
Testosterone:
The testicles produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for developing male characteristics such as:
- A deeper voice
- Facial hair growth
- Increased muscle mass
- The ability to achieve an erection
- Male sexual drive (libido)
Where does testicular cancer start:
The testicles consist of various cell types, and the kind of cancer you have depends on the specific cell where it begins.
Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. Doctors classify germ cell cancers into two main types:
- Seminoma
- Non-seminoma
Testicular cancer and the lymph nodes:
Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system that spans the entire body. They, along with lymph vessels, contain a yellow fluid known as lymph. This fluid circulates through the lymphatic system, collecting waste products and draining into veins for waste removal.
Cancer can spread to lymph nodes, causing them to enlarge. In testicular cancer, it’s common for the disease to spread to lymph nodes located at the back of the abdomen, known as retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
These retroperitoneal lymph nodes are situated behind the intestines and in front of the spine. They lie next to the main blood vessels in the abdomen, the aorta, and the inferior vena cava.
Image of the lymph nodes with testicles
Who gets it:
Younger men are more likely to get testicular cancer.
Trans women can also develop testicular cancer if they haven’t had an operation to remove their testicles (orchidectomy).
Men in their early 30s are the most likely to get it. It then becomes less common as men get older.
The Testicles
The testicles are two small, oval-shaped organs located below the penis, enclosed in a skin pouch called the scrotum.
Starting from puberty, the testicles begin producing sperm. Inside the testicle, small tubes come together to form the epididymis, a single tube that becomes wider as it exits the testicle. This wider tube is known as the spermatic cord.
The spermatic cord leads to a short passage called the ejaculatory duct, which opens into the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis.
Testosterone
The testicles produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for developing male characteristics such as:
- A deeper voice
- Facial hair growth
- Increased muscle mass
- The ability to achieve an erection
- Male sexual drive (libido)
Where Does Testicular Cancer Start
The testicles consist of various cell types, and the kind of cancer you have depends on the specific cell where it begins.
Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. Doctors classify germ cell cancers into two main types:
- Seminoma
- Non-seminoma
Testicular Cancer And The Lymph Nodes:
Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system that spans the entire body. They, along with lymph vessels, contain a yellow fluid known as lymph. This fluid circulates through the lymphatic system, collecting waste products and draining into veins for waste removal.
Cancer can spread to lymph nodes, causing them to enlarge. In testicular cancer, it’s common for the disease to spread to lymph nodes located at the back of the abdomen, known as retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
These retroperitoneal lymph nodes are situated behind the intestines and in front of the spine. They lie next to the main blood vessels in the abdomen, the aorta, and the inferior vena cava.
Image of the lymph nodes with testicles
Who is most likely to develop it
Younger men are more likely to get testicular cancer.
Trans women can also develop testicular cancer if they haven’t had an operation to remove their testicles (orchidectomy).
Men in their early 30s are the most likely to get it. It then becomes less common as men get older.
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.