Malignant neoplasm of the testis arising form germ cells in the seminiferous tubules Most common type of testicular cancer
Causes/Factors
- Age: Most common in men between 25 and 45 years of age.
- Cryptorchidism: regardless of whether it was surgically corrected or only affected the other testis
- Family History: Having a close relative with testicular cancer increases risk.
Clinical Features
Local Primary Tumour Effects
- Testicular lump, swelling pain
Effects of Distant Metastases
- Lung mets → SOB
- LN mets → back pain
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
- Gynecomastia
Diagnostic Tests
- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider examines the testicles for abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: Imaging to visualize the testicle and assess the nature of the mass.
- Blood Tests: To measure tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG).
- Biopsy: Removal and examination of a tissue sample to confirm cancer.
Management
- Surgery: Radical inguinal orchiectomy to remove the affected testicle.
- Radiation Therapy: Targeted radiation to kill remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: For more advanced or aggressive cases.
- Active Surveillance: Monitoring for slow-growing tumors in certain cases.
Complications/red Flags
- Metastasis
- Recurrence
- Infertility