Testicular neoplasm – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Testicular neoplasm, commonly known as testicular cancer, refers to abnormal cell growth in the testicles – the male reproductive organ in the scrotum.

Testicular neoplasm is classified into two main types.

• Seminoma is a slow-growing condition that starts in the testes, but it also can affect the lymph nodes. It’s usually seen in men in their 30s and 40s.
• Nonseminomas are cancers that develop in the germ cells, which are responsible for sperm production. These are more aggressive than seminomas, and it can affect more than one type of cell.

However, not all testicular growth is cancerous. This includes stromal tumors, which usually occur during childhood.

Known risk factors and symptoms of testicular neoplasm

The cause of a testicular neoplasm is unclear; however, a person’s likelihood of developing the condition if he is exposed to the following risk factors.

• Cryptorchidism – It’s commonly referred to as an undescended testicle, where the testes – which are formed in the abdominal area – do not descend into the scrotum before birth.
• Abnormal testicle development – Those who have irregularly formed testicles because of conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome are at risk of testicular neoplasm.
• Family history – Men who have a family member who had developed testicular cancer are also more likely to get the condition.
• Age – The condition can occur at any age, but it’s seen more often in men aged 15 and 35.

Symptoms of testicular neoplasm include:

• Enlarged testicles
• Feeling that the scrotum is heavier than usual
• A dull ache in the gut or groin
• Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicle
• Sudden fluid build up in the scrotum
• Enlarged breasts that are tender to the touch
• Back pain

In most cases, testicular neoplasm affects one testicle.

Body systems affected by testicular neoplasm

Most survivors of the condition lead normal lives afterward. However, those who have undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy are at risk of a relapse. In particular, those who had chemotherapy experience reduced fertility and testosterone levels – also called hypogonadism.

Smokers who have testicular neoplasms are also at risk of developing cardiovascular disease as a complication of the disease.

Recurrences that occur two years or more after treatment will not respond well to chemotherapy.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent testicular neoplasm

No information is available on food items that will prevent the development of testicular neoplasms; however, maintaining a healthy diet will not only boost overall resistance to cancer and other chronic conditions but will also improve a man’s reproductive health. Some recommended food items include:

• Whole grains. All grains provide glucose, which is the body’s main energy source, but whole grains do so while keeping its nutritional profile intact. These can help boost the reproductive system’s risk of developing inflammation, as well as infertility and cancer.
• Tofu and lean protein. The consumption of saturated fats could increase a person’s risk for prostate cancer, which could also affect the testicles. Instead of red meat, switch to fish, poultry, tofu, beans, and lentils.
• Fruits and vegetables. These are rich in antioxidants, which boost the body’s ability to fight oxidation and prevent cancer.
• Selenium-rich foods. Adding selenium in a man’s diet results in the production of healthy sperm cells. It can be found in Brazil nuts, walnuts, brown rice, and shrimp.

Treatment and management options for testicular neoplasm

Treating testicular neoplasms depends on its type and progression. To note, these can be classified to the following stages:

• Stage I cancer means that it hasn’t spread beyond the testicle.
• Stage II cancer indicates a spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
• Stage III cancer denotes metastasis beyond the lymph nodes, which could extend to the liver, lungs, and even the brain.

Healthcare providers will usually recommend either the surgical removal of the testicle, radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat the condition.

Where to learn more

• Testicular Cancer Treatments Worse than the Disease
• Chemotherapy for testicular cancer causes long-term neurological damage
• Scientists warn that tight, trendy jeans cause ‘testicular torsion’ (twisted balls)
• Research shows hemin, lithium can mitigate cadmium-induced testicular damage
• Chemicals Pass Through Breast Milk to Cause Testicular Cancer

Summary

Testicular neoplasm is the abnormal cell growth in the testicles.

Seminoma is a neoplasm that starts in the testes but can later affect the lymph nodes. Nonseminomas, on the other hand, are cancers that develop in cells responsible for sperm production.

Most survivors of testicular neoplasm lead normal lives afterward. However, those who have undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy are at risk of a relapse.

Testicular neoplasms can result in reduced fertility and testosterone levels.

Sources include:

MedLinePlus.gov

MayoClinic.org

Patient.info

Livestrong.com