TESTICULAR CANCER

What's testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer occurs when malignant cells grow in the testicles; the walnut-shaped glands in your scrotum responsible for sperm and testosterone production. It is a rare form of cancer, but the second most common cancer of reproductive health in men, particularly between the ages of 15 and 45. Testicular cancer can be slow-growing (Seminoma), affecting individuals in their 40s or 50s, or fast-growing (Non-seminoma), affecting those in their 20s or 30s.

Statistics for testicular cancer in Nigeria
Testicular cancer is rare, affecting only about 1 in 250 individuals with testicles in their lifetime. According to Cancer Council (2023), it is estimated that a little over one thousand (1000) people will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2024. In Nigeria, there is a lack of current data on the prevalence of testicular cancer. However, a study by Salako et al., (2010), reported about 26 cases of testicular cancer with an average incidence of 1.5 cases per year, accounting for 1.1% of all male cancers. 

Signs and symptoms 
Common signs of testicular cancer include a painless lump in the testicle, swelling of the scrotum, heaviness in the scrotum, dull ache around the groin or lower abdomen, discomfort in the scrotum or testicle, shrinking of the testicle, tenderness of the breast tissue, and back pain.

Risk factors
Testicular cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally, often due to genetic mutation. It is unclear what exactly causes testicular cancer, but risk factors include age between 15-45 years, infertility, family history of testicular cancer, being of white race, undescended testicles, etc.

Treatment
Testicular cancer is a serious condition but is treatable and curable. The treatment depends on factors such as individual health, the severity of the condition, treatment preferences, and tumor type. Treatments usually include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Complications
The common complication of testicular cancer is spreading to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, brain, liver, and other parts of the body.

Prevention
Unfortunately, testicular cancer cannot be prevented, but it can be diagnosed early through testicular self-exams (TSE), which help identify changes in the testicles and prompt medical attention.

References
Abujah, R. (2022, June 13). Testicular Cancer: Undescended Testis, Male Infertility Main Causes In Males. Science Nigeria. https://sciencenigeria.com/testicular-cancer-undescended-testis-male-infertility-main-causes-in-males/

Cancer Council. (2023, January). Testicular cancer. Www.cancer.org.au. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/testicular-cancer

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 2). Testicular Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12183-testicular-cancer

Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 21). Testicular Cancer - Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer-care/symptoms-causes/syc-20352986

Salako, A. A., Onakpoya, U. U., SA Osasan, & Omoniyi-Esan, G. O. (2010). Testicular and para-testicular tumors in south western Nigeria. African Health Sciences, 10(1), 14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2895799/