User talk:Jessmints11222

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men between the ages of 15 and 35, but the disease also occurs in other age groups, so all men should be aware of its symptoms. While testicular cancer is common among young men, young men typically do not develop any kind of cancer, so overall, testicular cancer is a relatively rare disease. This form of cancer is almost always curable if it is found early. Most testicular cancers are found by men themselves, either as a painless lump, a hardening or change in size of the testicle, or pain in the testicle. Children born with an undescended testicle have an increased risk of getting testicular cancer, regardless of whether surgery is done to correct the problem. However, the surgery should still be done to preserve fertility. The theory is that the increased risk of testicular cancer is due to whatever caused the undescended testicle, not just by the fact that the testicle was undescended.

In the year 2000, an estimated 7,600 cases of testicular cancer were diagnosed in the United States. Caucasians are more likely to get it than Hispanics, and much more likely to get it than African Americans or Asians. The incidence of testicular cancer is highest in Denmark, and lowest in the Far East.The incidence of testicular cancer around the world has basically doubled in the past 30-40 years. However, the cure rate in testicular cancer has risen dramatically over that same time period. In 1970, ninety percent of men with metastatic testicular cancer died of the disease. By 1990, with the introduction of chemotherapy drugs the ratio is reversed, with about ninety percent of men who have metastatic testicular cancer surviving.

Research has also shown that testicular cancer is sometimes linked to certain other rare conditions in which the testicles do not develop normally. There is even some line of thought that pollutants may be contributing to this problem, evidenced by the considerable increase in occurrences over the last few decades and paralleled with industrial growth and waste. Some patients with testicular cancer have a history of injury to the scrotum. But again, no one knows whether such an injury can actually cause cancer. Many doctors think such an injury simply calls attention to a tumor that was already growing.

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body Thanks to PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause symptoms. Although most of the symptoms listed below can occur with prostate cancer, they are more likely to be associated with noncancerous conditions.


 * Urinary hesitancy (delayed or slowed start of urinary stream)
 * Urinary dribbling, especially immediately after urinating
 * Urinary retention
 * Pain with urination
 * Pain with ejaculation
 * Lower back pain
 * Pain with bowel movement
 * Excessive urination at night
 * Urinary leakage (incontinence)
 * Bone pain or tenderness
 * Blood in the urine (hematuria)
 * Abdominal pain
 * Low red blood cell count (anemia)
 * Unintentional weight loss
 * Lethargy

Prostate Cancer Warning Signs
Frequent urge to urinate Blood in urine or semen Painful or burning urination Difficulty in urinating Difficulty in having an erection Painful ejaculation Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, or upper thighs Inability to urinate, or Dribbling of urine
 * If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away to find out if you need treatment.

Testicular Cancer Warning Signs
Often, only one testicle is affected. The cause of testicular cancer is still unknown. Risk factors include: Often, only one testicle is affected. The cause of testicular cancer is still unknown. Risk factors include:
 * Uncorrected undescended testicles in infants and young children. (Parents should make sure that their infant boys are checked at birth for undescended testicles.)
 * A family history of testicular cancer. (If you don’t know, ask.)
 * Having an identical twin with testicular cancer.
 * Injury to the scrotum or to a testicle.
 * A painless lump or swelling in either testicle.
 * A change in how the testicle feels.
 * A dull ache in the lower abdomen or the groin.
 * A sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum.
 * Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum

Treatment for Testicular Cancer and Prostate Cancer
In recent years, much progress has been made in treating testicular cancer. Surgical methods have been refined, and doctors know more about the best ways to use chemotherapy and radiation to treat different types of testicular cancer.

The first part of this section describes the various types of treatments used for testicular cancers. This is followed by a description of the most common approaches used based on the type and extent of the disease.

Making treatment decisions

After the cancer is diagnosed and staged, your cancer care team will discuss treatment options with you. You should take time and think about all of the choices. In choosing a treatment plan, factors to consider include the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall physical health. When time permits, getting a second opinion is often a good idea. It can give you more information and help you feel good about the chosen treatment plan. Some insurance companies may require a second opinion before they will agree to pay for treatments.

Where you are treated is important. There is no substitute for experience. You have the best chance for a good outcome if you go to a hospital that treats many testicular cancer patients.

The 3 main methods of treatment for testicular cancer are:

The treatment options for prostate cancer depend in part on your age, your overall health and whether the tumor has spread. For tumors that are still inside the prostate, radiation therapy (using x-rays that kill the cancer cells) and a surgery called radical prostatectomy are common treatment options. "Watchful waiting" is also a treatment option. In this approach, no treatment is given until the tumor gets bigger. Watchful waiting may be the best choice for an older man who has a higher risk of dying from something other than his prostate cancer.
 * surgery
 * radiation therapy
 * chemotherapy
 * Usually, tumors that have grown beyond the edge of the prostate can't be cured with either radiation or surgery. They can be treated with hormones that slow the cancer's growth.

How can I prevent Testicular Cancer and Prostate Cancer?
Know that many men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer possess certain risk factors that are present at birth, including race (this disease primarily affects white men), a family history of the disease or a condition called cryptorchidism.


 * Recognize that cryptorchidism, or the condition of possessing an undescended testicle, may be corrected in early childhood. Many doctors believe that surgery to bring the undescended testicle down into the scrotum performed before the onset of puberty may help to reduce the likelihood of the child developing testicular cancer later in life. Help prevent testicular cancer in your child by discussing surgical options for cryptorchidism with your doctor.


 * Ask about your family medical history. You may be at an increased risk of developing this cancer if your father or other male relatives have also suffered from it.


 * Help yourself and your doctor detect this cancer in its early stages by performing regular testicular self-examinations, or TSEs. Manually check your testicles for hard lumps at least once a month if you posses one or more of the risk factors for this disease.


 * Prevent late detection of this disease by informing your doctor of any pain or discomfort you might feel in your scrotum, pelvis or in your lower back. Prolonged discomfort in these areas may indicate the presence of testicular cancer.

Find out if you might be at higher risk. Even if you have no special risk factors, aim for prevention through diet, exercise and lifestyle choices What you need to know about prostate cancer Special risks - race, environment, diet, toxin exposure (e.g. Agent Orange) and family history of prostate or breast cancer are risk factors for early onset and/or aggressive prostate cancer. Age as the commonest risk. Simple steps toward healthy aging may help reduce this risk along with risk of diabetes and heart disease. Evidence suggests men can lower risk of prostate cancer through diet, exercise and outdoor activity. Although men under 40 have a very low risk of prostate cancer (0.01%, or 1 in 9,876), men with one or more high risk factors may wish to talk to their doctors and ask for a baseline PSA test as early as age 35 and no later than 40.
 * Schedule regular physical examinations with your primary physician as part of a healthy lifestyle.