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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02110}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Testicular Cancer in High School}
$Subject{cancer testicle Testicular cancers cryptorchidism scrotum mumps
hydrocele inguinal hernia self examination examinations nodule nodules lump
lumps radiotherapy chemotherapy orchiectomy}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Testicular Cancer in High School
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QUESTION: We have learned that a boy in our son's class in high school has
been found to have a cancer on his testicle. He is only 16 years old. Is
this something rare? Does it have any implications for our son? We have
never heard of a cancer in anyone so young before, and just can't help
wondering what it might mean for us. Can you tell us?
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ANSWER: Testicular cancer is relatively rare, with about 6100 cases reported
each year (or about 4 cases for every 100,000 population). There are two age
peaks in the frequency of these cases, one in early childhood, and a much
larger peak between ages 20 and 35. It is however, the most common type of
cancer found in men ages 15 to 35, so the lad in your son's class is not that
unusual. The most frequent cause of testicular cancer is a situation called
"cryptorchidism", where the testicle does not descend normally into the pouch
(scrotum) during development, but remains positioned in the abdomen. It may
also be associated with a history of mumps, a family history of the disease,
hydrocele (accumulation of fluid in the scrotum) or inguinal hernia, but is
often seen in individuals with no risk factors. There are no environmental
conditions associated with disease, so there is little for you to fear for
your son.
Since there are generally no symptoms associated with this cancer, men
are encouraged to perform a self examination on a monthly basis, much the same
as women are taught to do a breast self examination on a regular basis. The
scrotum can best be examined during a warm bath or shower when it is relaxed,
and gentle palpation can search for hard or fixed nodules or lumps on the
testicle. If something suspicious is detected, an immediate follow up at the
doctor's office is essential.
The good news is that testicular cancer is often of a type that is
extremely sensitive to treatment by radiotherapy, with cures approaching 85-97
percent. For other types of testicular cancer treatments include chemotherapy
and surgery (orchiectomy) to remove the affected testicle.
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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.