Self-examination for the testicular
mass conducted while in the shower is one of the most common ways to
discover mass. If you feel something unusual, seek the help of a
physician for a comprehensive analysis of your scrotal mass. The
doctor may perform a complete examination of your male genitalia and medical
history to indicate the desired proper treatment and the diagnosis of the testicular
mass. Most are considered benign, often associated with
Epididymitis, inguinal hernia, varicocele, spermatocele, and hydrocele.
However, some cases can indicate a more severe medical condition, such as
testicular cancer.
The Examination of the Testicular Mass
The initial part of the examination will
be performed on the penis. It will be examined through touching and
determine if there are any indurations or plaque; any sign of ulcers would also
be inspected. The urethral discharge will also be observed for
symptoms of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. After that, the examination
will be directed to the testes. The tenderness, volume, and mass
will be palpated. Any testicular mass discovered on
the testes will be trans-illuminated since the light will not pass through the
solid tumor. Other conditions such as hydrocele will show a red
tone. Epididymis, vas deferens, and spermatic cord will also be
examined. Finally, your inguinal canals will be observed for any
sign of lymphomas and hydrocele.
The Treatment for the Testicular Mass
If the doctor discovered an unusual mass
in your testicle, it could be testicular cancer. It is the most
treatable type of cancerous cell, and it is a common condition for younger
adults. Orchiectomy will be the standard procedure if
the doctor suspects that you have testicular cancer. It is an
invasive surgical procedure wherein a small incision will be made in your lower
abdomen or groin area. After the surgical process, the doctor may closely
supervise your condition. If the cancer cell starts to grow beyond
your testicles, other types of treatment may follow.
The treatment you will be receiving will
be contingent upon the type of your cancer cell and the
stage. It will begin with magnetic imaging such as ultrasound or
CT scan for surveillance, followed by radiation therapy or
chemotherapy. There are also some severe cases when the doctor requires
additional surgical procedures. This procedure will involve some
complications and added benefits.
Once you notice a change in the size of
your testicle and you are feeling a particular pain, this type of symptom
should not be dismissed. You should immediately set an appointment with your
family doctor to examine the testicular mass.
Various Types of Treatment for Testicular Cancer
Over the past few
years, there has been a great deal of attention towards the treatment of testicular cancer. Surgical procedures have been
adjusted and modified. Most physicians are now well-aware about the best ways
to perform radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat this condition
successfully. After you have been diagnosed with this condition and the cancer
stage has been determined, the group of experts will discuss your treatment procedure.
Stages and Testicular Cancer
Treatment
The types of treatment for testicular cancer
will highly depend upon the stage and the type of your cancer. Pure Seminomas
and Germ Tumors are normally treated in the same way, while the other types of
cancer are treated differently.
Stage 1 (Seminomas and Germ Tumors)
This type of
cancer can be treated in most patients. The initial treatment will begin by
removing the spermatic cord and testicle. Various types of testicular cancer treatment will follow after that.
Surveillance
Suppose the cancer
cells have not spread beyond your testicle. In that case, the recommended
option is to have it closely supervised by the doctor while performing various types
of treatment for testicular cancer,
such as chemo and radiation, should the cancer cell spread beyond your
testicles. Close observation will include blood tests and physical exams and
MRI, CT scan, or x-ray conducted every 3-6 months. No cancer treatment will be implemented if there is no prevalent sign
of cancer spreading.
Radiation Therapy
The radiation will
be focused in the para-aortic lymph node during the radiation therapy. It is
due to the reason that Seminomas types of cancer cells are highly sensitive
against radiation. Only a nominal
percentage of radiation should be used during the testicular cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy
If the radiation
therapy does not work, they may recommend chemotherapy. This treatment works as
effectively as radiation therapy, wherein you will be provided with carboplatin
after the surgical procedure.
Stage IS (Seminomas)
This is a very
rare condition wherein the rate of the cancer cell is still relatively high
after the testicle has been removed. It is also treated with radiation.
Stage 1 (The Non-Seminomas)
These cancer cells
can be treated but with different types
of treatment for testicular cancer to Seminomas. Like Seminomas, the
initial treatment will be a surgical process followed by more close
surveillance by the doctor to ensure that the cancer cell will not return.
Should the condition persists, the doctor may conduct an RPLND process followed
by chemotherapy. This procedure comes with certain complications, such as
affecting your normal ejaculation.
For those who need additional information on the treatment for testicular cancer, especially the options that are not tackled in this article, be sure to keep posted on our next articles.
No comments:
Post a Comment