$Unique_ID{BRK02366}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Should I Do About A Mass In My Scrotum?}
$Subject{scrotum testicular cancer tumorous metastasizing lump mass testicle
infertility hydrocele hematocele epididymis lymph nodes chemotherapy radiation
therapy cancers neoplasm neoplasms genitourinary system testicles testis
testes scrotal tumor tumors lumps masses fertility infertile fertile sterile
sterility}
$Volume{B-15,J-15,J-22}
$Log{
The Testes*0002907.scf
Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System*0006001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Should I Do About A Mass In My Scrotum?


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QUESTION:  I think I feel a mass in my scrotum, but am afraid of what my
physician may put me through.  Would you please explain, in some detail, how
they diagnose and treat testicular cancer?  I really need some detailed
information to help me and hope you will chose this question for your column.
Please?

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ANSWER:  Testicular cancer is not a very common cancer, but there are 5000 new
cases each year in the United States and it is the most common tumorous cancer
in men between age 15 and 35.  As with many cancers, there are several forms
of testicular cancer, but almost all are capable of metastasizing, meaning
that they can spread through the body.
     Most testicular cancers are discovered by the patient, who notices a lump
or mass in one testicle.  Some cases are discovered when a man is being
evaluated for pain in the scrotum or infertility.
     Testicular cancer is diagnosed through careful examination by a
physician, during which the scrotum will be evaluated and manipulated.  The
physician will often shine a light through the thin skin of the scrotum to see
if the lump is translucent.  This examination will eliminate other conditions
such as hydrocele or hematocele, which are small sacs of fluid, and infections
or injuries of the testicle or epididymis, and as such, allow the light to
pass through the mass.  Ultrasound examination can also be used.  Some
laboratory blood tests are also helpful in making an accurate diagnosis.
     If cancer is still suspected, the testicle can be evaluated surgically.
A biopsy may be taken during surgery, and if the results show malignancy, a
decision to remove the testicle is made.  Chemotherapy is also a potent weapon
in treating many cancers of the testicle, sometimes is used as a treatment of
choice, usually in conjunction with surgery.
     A general examination will also be done if cancer is suspected, because
testicular cancer can spread quickly to the lymph nodes, lungs, and elsewhere.
After surgery, most testicular cancer patients will undergo radiation therapy
to try to kill all cancer cells.  Chemotherapy may be substituted for or added
on to radiation therapy depending on what type of testicular cancer was
diagnosed.  In some cases, if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the
nodes may have to be removed also.
     The extent of the disease depends on how soon it is caught.  Like many
women who discover a breast lump, many men who find a testicular lump delay in
seeing a doctor, which is a mistake since it only gives the cancer a chance to
spread.
     As with many cancers, the survival rate for testicular cancer depends on
how widely it has spread before it was diagnosed.  However, if caught quickly,
survival rates are good and testicular cancer can be completely cured.  Most
men who have survived testicular cancer can resume their sex lives.  But early
diagnosis of testicular cancer is imperative.  All men should learn how to
examine their testicles and scrotum regularly just as women examine their
breasts.  It is an excellent early screening technique.
     You can now see how important it is for you to make a rapid decision to
seek the medical attention that can lead to the correct diagnosis, and more
important still, help get your treatment started at the earliest possible
moment.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.