Testicular cancer is rare not only across the world, but also in India. The country has one of the lowest incidences of testicular cancer with less than 1 person per 100,000 population being affected by the condition. However, it is the most common cancer in young men aged 15 to 35, and it can significantly affect their fertility levels.
"Testicular cancer has a direct impact on the sperm-producing organs, which can interfere with fertility," Dr Pallavi Prasad, fertility consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Basaveshwara Nagar, Bengaluru, told IANS.
“Surgery is often used as the primary treatment for testicular cancer, which involves removal of the cancerous testicle.Although this surgery tries to eliminate the malignant cells, it can affect sperm production. "Even if the remaining testicles are healthy, sperm production may be temporarily or permanently impaired," she added.
In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy used to target cancer cells throughout the body can also damage sperm cells, reducing sperm production and quality. The doctor suggested fertility preservation methods like sperm banking to preserve sperm samples before cancer treatment.
“Men can preserve the possibility of biological parenthood by storing sperm before treatment, even if cancer therapy affects fertility.However, it is important to note that fertility preservation methods may not be available to all men, making the decision to explore such treatments may be difficult. The urgency of treatment, financial factors and personal preferences can all influence people's fertility preservation decisions," said Dr. Prasad.
Although the exact causes behind testicular cancer are not yet understood, risk factors include early exposure to estrogen through hormone therapy, and congenital conditions such as small testicles, or undescended testicles (cryptorchidism).
Dr. Shalabh Aggarwal, Consultant, Urology, C.K. Birla Hospital, Gurugram told IANS that the most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless growth in one testicle.
“This is in contrast to a sudden, painful enlargement, which is more likely to be caused by an infection rather than cancer.“If a patient is being treated for a long-term testicular infection but the enlargement persists, they should be examined for the possibility of testicular cancer,” he said.
Nevertheless, "Testicular cancer is considered a highly treatable form of cancer, with a 10-year survival rate of more than 90 percent," said Dr. Aggarwal, on the need for early detection through self-examination. With emphasis.
"After bathing, self-examination should be performed daily by lightly palpating both testicles to check for any abnormality in size, position, or presence of lumps or swelling. If any such changes are detected, They are required to report immediately to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate management,” he said.
"Testicular cancer has a direct impact on the sperm-producing organs, which can interfere with fertility," Dr Pallavi Prasad, fertility consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Basaveshwara Nagar, Bengaluru, told IANS.
“Surgery is often used as the primary treatment for testicular cancer, which involves removal of the cancerous testicle.Although this surgery tries to eliminate the malignant cells, it can affect sperm production. "Even if the remaining testicles are healthy, sperm production may be temporarily or permanently impaired," she added.
In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy used to target cancer cells throughout the body can also damage sperm cells, reducing sperm production and quality. The doctor suggested fertility preservation methods like sperm banking to preserve sperm samples before cancer treatment.
“Men can preserve the possibility of biological parenthood by storing sperm before treatment, even if cancer therapy affects fertility.However, it is important to note that fertility preservation methods may not be available to all men, making the decision to explore such treatments may be difficult. The urgency of treatment, financial factors and personal preferences can all influence people's fertility preservation decisions," said Dr. Prasad.
Although the exact causes behind testicular cancer are not yet understood, risk factors include early exposure to estrogen through hormone therapy, and congenital conditions such as small testicles, or undescended testicles (cryptorchidism).
Dr. Shalabh Aggarwal, Consultant, Urology, C.K. Birla Hospital, Gurugram told IANS that the most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless growth in one testicle.
“This is in contrast to a sudden, painful enlargement, which is more likely to be caused by an infection rather than cancer.“If a patient is being treated for a long-term testicular infection but the enlargement persists, they should be examined for the possibility of testicular cancer,” he said.
Nevertheless, "Testicular cancer is considered a highly treatable form of cancer, with a 10-year survival rate of more than 90 percent," said Dr. Aggarwal, on the need for early detection through self-examination. With emphasis.
"After bathing, self-examination should be performed daily by lightly palpating both testicles to check for any abnormality in size, position, or presence of lumps or swelling. If any such changes are detected, They are required to report immediately to a healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate management,” he said.
