Understanding how testicular cancer could affect you starts with a conversation. Your doctor will ask you questions about your general health and talk about your concerns. Many men are able to identify a problem with their testicles by doing a self-exam. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable cancers. When caught early, the cure rate is close to 100 percent. This is true for men with early stage testicular cancer, where it has not spread past the testicle. For men with stage II or III testicular cancer, the cure rate is still higher than other cancers. If you notice a lump, or feel discomfort, swelling, pain or other changes in your testicles or scrotum, see a doctor. Ideally, you can meet with a urologist.
Testicular Self-Exam
Bạn đang xem: Testicular Cancer
The best time to do a monthly testicular self-exam is after a warm bath or shower, while standing, when the scrotum is relaxed. It only takes a few minutes. To start:
1) Check each testicle. Gently but firmly roll each testicle between the thumb and forefingers. Feel the whole surface. The firmness of the testis should be the same all around. It’s normal for one testis to be slightly larger than the other.
2) Find the epididymis and vas deferens. These are soft tube-like structures above and behind the testicle. These tubes collect and carry sperm. Just become familiar with how these cords feel.
Xem thêm : Is Mole Healthy? A Latina Dietitian Explains the Benefits
3) Look for lumps, swelling or things that don’t seem right. Lumps or bumps are not normal (even if they cause no pain). Pain is not normal.
4) Check yourself at least once per month. Always look for changes in size, shape or texture. If you notice a lump or any changes over time, you should seek medical help. It may be nothing, but if it is testicular cancer, it can spread very quickly. When found early, testicular cancer is curable. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your urologist.
Medical Exams
Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms, your overall health and will do a medical exam. If the doctor suspects something is not normal, they will run more tests.
Health Record and Physical Exam
Your urologist will talk with you about your health. They’ll examine your scrotum, belly, lymph nodes and other parts to look for signs of cancer. They’ll look for lumps, firmness or signs of swelling. Tell them if you have a history of undescended testicles.
Xem thêm : Billing and Coding: Bariatric Surgery Coverage
Testicular Ultrasound
This imaging test is used to see inside the scrotum and check a suspicious lump. Other scans or x-rays may be done if your doctor would like to see inside your chest or abdomen. This is done to see if cancer has spread to lymph nodes, the lungs or liver. MRIs are rarely used, but in some cases are needed to check the brain and spinal cord.
Blood Test
A blood test is taken to check tumor markers. These are proteins and hormones made by some testicular cancers. AFP, ACG and LDH tumor markers rise with some cancers but many testicular cancers will not produce tumor markers. In other words, just because tumor markers are normal does not mean you are free of cancer. It’s of great value to ask your doctor about your tumor marker levels and learn what’s normal vs. not normal.
Serum Tumor Marker Test
Tumor markers (AFP, HCG, and LDH) should be measured before any treatment, such as surgery. If cancer is found, tumor marker tests will be repeated after treatment to track how well you’re doing over time. Some medicines and marijuana can create false positive levels of HCG. Tell your doctor about your medicine and/or marijuana use. It is also worth noting that:
- Pure seminomas can raise HCG levels but never AFP levels
- Non-seminomas often raise AFP and/or HCG levels
- Over the counter urinary pregnancy tests do check for HCG levels in the urine but are not reliable tests for testicular cancer
Nguồn: https://buycookiesonline.eu
Danh mục: Info
