Among all malignant oncological pathologies in men, testicular cancer occurs in 2% of cases. Among urological oncopathologies, testicular cancer accounts for 5% of their total number. This pathology is extremely aggressive and affects young men. In addition, testicular cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in young men. In most cases, a unilateral tumor is detected. At what age is testicular cancer detected? What are the causes and symptoms of testicular cancer, find out in our article.
What are the causes of testicular cancer in men?
The occurrence of testicular cancer occurs during the period of three age peaks. These are boys under 10, young men aged 20 to 40 and older men who are over 60.
Malignancy of benign fetal teratoma is the cause of testicular cancer in children. At an older age, pathology is provoked by scrotum injuries, radioactive radiation and endocrine disorders (gynecomastia, hypogonadism, infertility). Having Klinefelter syndrome increases the risk of developing testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is more often found in patients with cryptorchidism, since non-descent of the glands into the scrotum increases the risk of developing oncological pathology by 10 times.
Histological type and classification of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is classified according to the histological principle. Allocate non-germinogenic neoplasms arising from the stroma of the testicle, germinogenic, arising from the seminal epithelium, and mixed. In 95% of cases, germ cell tumors occur, they can be represented by seminoma, chorionic carcinoma, malignant teratoma, or embryonic cancer. Clinical manifestations of non-germinogenic tumors, read more on estet-portal.com. Non-germinogenic tumors include leydigoma, sarcoma, and sertolioma.
Staging of the disease according to international TNM criteria is of great importance for the treatment of testicular cancer:
- T1 - the tumor is located within the albuginea;
- T2 - the testicle is enlarged and deformed, but the tumor remains delimited by the albuginea;
- T3 - the albuginea infiltrates and grows into the tissue of the epididymis;
- T4 - the tumor has spread beyond the testicle, there is germination in the tissue of the scrotum or spermatic cord;
- N1 - using x-ray or radioisotope examination, metastases are detected in regional lymph nodes;
- N2 - enlarged lymph nodes are palpated;
- M1 - metastases to distant organs are detected.
How does testicular cancer manifest itself? The main symptoms of oncopathology
The clinical manifestations of testicular cancer consist of the manifestation of metastasis and general symptoms.
The first sign of testicular cancer is the presence of a hardened gland and a painless nodule that can be palpated in it.
In rare cases, pain in the scrotum or testicle, dull pain in the lower abdomen is determined. The initial stage of testicular cancer often resembles the clinical picture of acute orchiepididymitis. The progression of testicular cancer is accompanied by an increase and swelling of the scrotum, its asymmetry.
Further symptoms associated with metastasis of testicular cancer. If the enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes compress the nerve roots, this is accompanied by back pain. Compression of the intestinal lymph nodes leads to intestinal obstruction. When squeezing the inferior vena cava observed lymphostasis, swelling in the lower extremities. Compression of the ureter is manifested by hydronephrosis and renal failure. Metastasis of testicular cancer to the lymph nodes of the mediastinum is manifested by cough and shortness of breath.
Nongerminogenic forms of testicular cancer can provoke the development of hormonal disorders. In such cases, gynecomastia and premature masculinization often develop, which is manifested by a mutation of the voice and frequent erections.
In adults, hormonally active testicular cancer is accompanied by feminization, decreased potency and libido.
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