Testicular cancer, as one of the common malignant tumors in urology, mainly occurs in male testicular tissue. The following is a detailed introduction to testicular cancer and its latest treatment methods:

Overview of Testicular Cancer

Definition and classification: Testicular cancer, also known as testicular tumor, refers to tumors that originate from the testicles, of which over 90% are malignant. According to different organizational sources, testicular cancer can be divided into germ cell tumors (such as germ cell tumors, embryonic cancers, choriocarcinoma, etc., accounting for 90% to 95%) and non germ cell tumors (such as gonadal stromal tumors, gonadal germ cell tumors, etc.).

Age of onset: There are three peak periods for testicular cancer, namely infancy, between 2040 years old, and after 70 years old, with 2040 years old being the most common.

Etiology: The onset of testicular cancer is related to both genetic and acquired factors, with cryptorchidism being the most closely associated. Patients with cryptorchidism have a more than ten times higher chance of developing testicular cancer than normal individuals.

The latest treatment methods for testicular cancer

Surgical treatment:

Terminal inguinal orchidectomy: Removing a portion of the testicle through the inguinal region is the main treatment method for testicular cancer. Surgical removal of one testicle does not cause impotence or infertility in patients, as males with only one healthy testicle can still achieve normal erection and produce sperm. During surgery, doctors may also place an artificial testicle into the scrotum to maintain its normal appearance.

Lymph node dissection: Some patients also need lymph node dissection during surgery to remove possible cancer cells.

Radiation therapy:

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and cause tumor shrinkage. This method is usually a local treatment that has an impact on cancer cells in the treated area, while the impact on normal cells is relatively small. However, radiation therapy may cause side effects such as fatigue, skin changes, nausea, and may also affect the patient's fertility.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. This method is usually used after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells. Chemotherapy may cause side effects such as nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and may affect the patient's fertility. But most patients can still recover their fertility after chemotherapy.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy:

Targeted therapy is used to treat cancer with specific molecular abnormalities, aiming to interfere with key signaling pathways that cancer cells rely on for growth.

Immunotherapy activates the body's own immune system to combat cancer cells and improve the overall survival rate of patients.

matters needing attention

The early symptoms of testicular cancer are not obvious, and testicular lumps are often accidentally discovered during bathing or physical examinations. Therefore, men should regularly undergo self-examination and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found.

During treatment, patients should maintain a good nutritional status and avoid spicy and irritating foods to promote physical recovery.

In summary, there are various treatment methods for testicular cancer, and patients should choose the most suitable treatment plan based on their own condition and doctor's advice. Meanwhile, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check ups are also of great significance for preventing testicular cancer.