Early detection of testicular cancer – these are the first symptoms

Testicular cancer usually affects young men. The good news first: If symptoms are recognized in time, treatment is likely to be successful.

Bremen – November 19 is International Men’s Day. On this occasion, emphasis will be placed on the concerns of men and boys. This also includes the topic of men’s health. Because what’s better than (nice) guys? That’s right – healthy guys! In this context, Movember was also launched, an Australian initiative that aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer with a small wink or a small mustache. mustachemustache, and november = “movember”).

Recognizing the symptoms of testicular cancer: The most common type of cancer among young-competitive athletes is affected

There is no such campaign against testicular cancer. However, the disease has recently received a lot of attention, as this year three German Bundesliga specialists were affected by a malignant form of cancer. Hertha Berlin’s Sebastian Haller, Sebastian Haller and Marco Richter, and Timo Baumgartl, a defender in the capital’s rival Union Berlin, had to be treated for testicular tumors. The cases show the importance of early detection of testicular cancer symptoms.

According to a study published in the specialized journal scalpel It was published, purely by accident. No connection can be proven. However, it is no coincidence that the three athletes caught such young people from all over the world NDR information mentioned. Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer among young people.

Testicular cancer mainly affects men between the ages of 20 and 45 – many of them are “taken from life”

The typical age for malignant testicular tumor is between 20 and 45 years old. But in principle, every man is already at risk of contracting the disease from puberty, that is, from the age of about 14 years. Sure, the prognosis for cancer is always bad, no matter when. But at such a young age, there are often many important life decisions to be made, such as starting a career, planning a family, building a home, or financial security. This is why many people are literally “dropped out of their lives” when they are diagnosed with testicular cancer. Because if the cancer is so advanced that chemotherapy is necessary, you shouldn’t even think about continuing as before.

Timely identification of testicular cancer symptoms: the tumor doubles within 10 to 30 days

With its timely recognition, it doesn’t necessarily have to happen. Because only when the cancer grows into the surrounding tissues does it enter the blood system and form metastases. However, speed is of the essence when it comes to testicular cancer because it grows quickly: a testicular tumor doubles in size within 10 to 30 days. NDR radio visit. It is therefore very important to know the symptoms so that, in case of doubt, you can quickly go to the urology clinic, which can then immediately start appropriate treatment.

Because there’s also very good news regarding testicular cancer: It’s easily treatable. More than 90 percent of cases become high NDR He was treated, because testicular cancer usually develops in so-called germ cells, which are particularly sensitive to chemotherapy. This makes testicular cancer one of the most treatable types of cancer if caught early. However, if left untreated, it will almost certainly lead to death.

First symptoms of testicular cancer: how to tell if you have testicular cancer

The insidious thing about testicular cancer is that it usually does not cause any pain. But there are some symptoms that indicate the disease. Since there are no mandatory preventive testicular cancer screenings in Germany and they are not paid for by health insurance companies, you have to do it yourself to check for possible lumps. But there are also some other symptoms that could indicate testicular cancer that you should look out for. This includes:

• Heaviness or tightness in the scrotum or groin
• Swelling or pain in the testicular area
• Swelling or pain in the breasts
• Occasional blood in the semen (rust-brown discoloration)
• Back pain (in advanced cases)

(Source: German Cancer Society)

It is also useful to know the symptoms or physical changes that cause oncological diseases in general. This often includes fatigue or a decline in performance. Because of course tumors can grow not only in the testicles, but also in other organs and areas of the body and lead to colon cancer or lung cancer. Here, too, the rule applies: the earlier cancer is caught, the better.

Prevention is key to successful treatment of testicular cancer – so check back regularly

This is best achieved with the right precautions. About 80 percent of testicular tumors become high German wave It was discovered by the affected themselves. That’s why you advise German Society of Urology (DGU) Boys and young men between the ages of 14 and 45 should regularly check their testicles for hard lumps or swellings, preferably once a month and preferably while they are taking a bathroom break.

You should look for obvious nodules and painless hardening. Above the testicles, however, is the epididymis, according to health editor Ingo Bach daily mirror It can be felt as slight bumps. But you shouldn’t let that bother you. Urologist Sönke Tedsen explains in NDRHow testicular tumors feel in contrast to healthy tissue: The consistency of the testicle is usually firm and elastic, like a handball muscle. On the other hand, pathological sclerosis is as hard as bone or stone and does not hurt.

Bach also recommends regularly examining the size, circumference, and heaviness of the testicles to identify them. In this way, possible future changes and swellings can be better identified. The best way to do this is to stand in front of a mirror and take a good look. If something has really changed, it is better to go to the urology clinic right away. There, an ultrasound machine is used to check exactly whether it is a malignant tumor.

Testicular cancer: treatment does not affect fertility and sexual desire after surgery

If a testicular tumor is already found, the operation is usually done next. The affected testicle is removed. However, this has no effect on fertility or libido, as all doctors assure. The remaining testicles on their own can still produce enough sperm and hormones such as testosterone so that everything works as before. So the disease itself has no effect on fertility or lust.

However, for men who want to have children and who have to undergo chemotherapy as part of treatment for testicular cancer, pre-freezing of sperm is recommended as a precaution for IVF at a later date. He writes that chemotherapy can sometimes have an enormous effect on sperm production NDR. There are also prostheses for affected men who are not comfortable having only one testicle from now on. They feel just like the “original”.

Causes of Testicular Cancer: A combination of risk factors – cycling is not one of them

There is still no clear knowledge about the causes of testicular cancer. However, the number of cases has been increasing for decades NDR mentioned. Environmental toxins with hormone-like effects or dietary habits are suspected possible pathogens. According to estimates Robert Koch Institute The rate of new cases is about 4,200 per year.

So there is still a lot of mystery about the causes, but there are a number of risk factors that favor the development of the disease. These include: family history, congenital undescended testicles or if you have had testicular cancer in the past. By the way, cycling is not a risk factor for testicular cancer, experts agree NDR Emphasizes.

You still have the best possible protection against cancer of any kind if you eat a healthy, balanced diet, which includes avoiding fast food as much as possible. You should also quit smoking if possible and drink little or no alcohol. You should exercise regularly or exercise outdoors. This not only keeps you fit but also keeps you healthy. This is the best way to prevent cancer, but ideally also to avoid other diseases such as heart attack, diabetes or stroke.