Madrid, November 19, 2024. - According to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), an estimated 1,500 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed each year in Spain1. It is most common among young men, especially those in the 15-35 age group1, although it only accounts for about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in men1. Despite this relatively low incidence, its impact is considerable due to both the age of those affected and the possible longer-term complications, such as effects on fertility and the overall health of the patients.
Despite this prevalence in younger men, testicular cancer is one of the cancers with the highest cure rate when detected early. The key to early diagnosis lies in awareness and regular self-examination, making it easier to identify and recognize warning signs.
“Self-examination is essential to detect testicular cancer in early stages. Although this type of cancer usually responds favourably to chemotherapy, even in more advanced stages, early diagnosis reduces the need for more aggressive treatments and helps preserve the patient's fertility," explains Dr. Carlos Núñez Mora, Head of the Urological Surgery Department at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid - Hospiten.
Most common symptoms of testicular cancer
The symptoms of testicular cancer are often subtle and can sometimes go unnoticed, especially during the early stages, with a non-malicious testicular nodule detectable by touch being the most common warning sign. "Although most lumps in the testicle are benign, it is always advisable to go to the urologist when any symptoms are noticeable. In addition to the nodule, other possible warning signs are a feeling of heaviness, pain or discomfort in the scrotum, lower back or abdominal region or the appearance of bruises or inflammation”, continues the expert.
Within this context, Dr. Núñez identifies two main risk groups: Firstly, men with first-degree relatives who have suffered from this type of cancer, such as fathers or brothers. Secondly, men with a history of cryptorchidism - a condition in which one or both testicles do not descend naturally into the scrotum in childhood, remaining in the abdominal cavity or in the groin.
“This condition, especially if not surgically corrected during childhood, increases the risk of developing testicular cancer in adulthood, due to factors related to elevated temperature in the abdomen that can affect normal cell development of the testicle,” he explains.
Treatment options and their relationship to fertility
The relationship between infertility and testicular cancer is complex and can manifest itself in multiple ways, both before and after cancer diagnosis. In the case of young patients who require chemotherapy, experts recommend preserving semen before starting treatment to ensure the possibility of fathering children in the future. In addition, the MD Anderson Madrid - Hospiten specialist highlights the fact that many of these patients already have alterations in sperm quality before undergoing treatment.
The initial treatment for this pathology consists of orchiectomy, that is, the removal of the affected testicle. "Subsequent treatment will depend on the cell type of the tumour. In seminomas, we often use a single drug, which helps reduce the impact on fertility. On the other hand, non-seminomatous tumours usually require a more intensive approach involving chemotherapy,” continues Dr. Nuñez, who reiterates that testicular cancer is one of the malignant tumours with the highest cure rate when detected promptly and that the key to an early diagnosis lies in self-examination.
References:
- Spanish Society of Medical Oncology. (February 21, 2023). Information about testicular cancer. Available on: https://seom.org/info-sobre-el-cancer/testiculo