Testicular Cancer

Description

Testicular cancer usually originates in the testicles (rather than spreading to the testicles from other tissues)-specifically in the testicle cells responsible for producing sperm. In its earlystages, testicular cancer is usually detected and trated early testicular cancer 15 highly curable. Approximately 85 percent of men diagnosed with testicular cancer will survive five years or more.

Testicular cancer is most common among Caucasian men between the ages of 15 and 35. Men of Scandinavian descent and men who had undescended testicles at birth have higher rates of this cancer, as do men who live in rural environments and unmarried men of high socioeconomic status.

Signs and Symptoms

• Change in the size or shape of a testicle
• A painless lump or swelling in a testicle
• Pain or tenderness in the affected testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the affected testicle

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you notice a change in the size or shape of a testicle, see your physician, who may perform a physical examination of the testicles and possibly a scrotal ultrasound. A biopsy of the affected testicle also may be necessary to confirm diagnosis.

In addition, your physician may perform a CAT scan of the torso to determine whether or not the cancer has spread to nearby organs. Surgical removal of the affected testicle is the most common form of treatment. If both testicles are affected, both may be removed. Surgery is usually followed by radiation or chemotherapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Te Electroacupuncture biofeedback is being studied as a diagnostic tool for the early screening of testicular and other types of cancer. Electroacupuncture biofeedback devices have been used in this country for the past IS years and are currently undergoing testing by the FDA.

Acupressure Acupressure may be used to reduce discomfort caused by the disease and lessen stomach upset brought on by chemotherapy and other conventional treatments.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Fu Zheng herbal therapy may be used to enhance immunity and ward off testicular cancer.