Testicular Cancer Specialists

Associated Urologists of North Carolina

Urologists located in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Clinton, Dunn, Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

Testicular cancer isn’t all that common, but the thought of getting it is a scary prospect nonetheless. At Associated Urologists of North Carolina, the team of board-certified urologists has considerable expertise in diagnosing testicular cancer and prescribing the most effective treatment program. The practice has seven convenient locations in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Clinton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, where you can be cured of testicular cancer if you act quickly. Call Associated Urologists of North Carolina today.

Testicular Cancer Q & A

What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer develops in one of the testicles, the male glands that produce sperm. It’s possible to get testicular cancer at any age, but it’s most likely to occur between the ages of 15 and 44.

Testicular cancer is uncommon, but if you spot it early enough, it is curable. Deaths from testicular cancer are rare. To ensure you find any lumps in your testicles, you should learn how to carry out a self-examination and perform one regularly.

What are the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer?

Finding a painless lump in your testicle is the most common sign of testicular cancer.

Additionally, you could have pain or aching in your testicle or groin, swelling that might be painful, and a sensation of heaviness in your scrotum. You might also feel tender in your breast tissues or notice changes in this area.

Not all lumps are cancerous. Other conditions that cause similar symptoms include:

Epididymitis
Testicular torsion
Inguinal hernia
Hydrocele

If you find a lump or firm area in a testicle, don’t delay visiting your urologist at Associated Urologists of North Carolina. The conditions that aren’t cancer are all treatable, and if you do have testicular cancer, the sooner you start treatment, the better your prognosis.

How is Testicular Cancer Treated?

Treatment for testicular cancer is often dependent on whether or not you wish to have children. Treatments like radiation therapy can cause infertility and changes in your hormones. If you wish to safeguard your future ability to father a child, you can store healthy sperm in a sperm bank before you begin your treatment.

Surgery is the primary treatment option for testicular cancer. Removal of the affected testicle is called an orchiectomy and is the most common type of testicular cancer surgery. The procedure involves taking out the entire testicle with its spermatic cord through an incision in your groin.

Testis-sparing surgery (TSS) is better suited to noncancerous lumps because there’s a risk of leaving cancerous cells behind.

After surgery, you can opt to have a testicular prosthesis to replace the testicle and restore a more natural appearance. Your testosterone levels should be fine with only one testicle, but if you have low testosterone, you can use hormone replacement therapy.

Radiation and chemotherapy can be useful for treating certain types of testicular cancer. Your provider can discuss this with you when they know what kind of testicular cancer you have.

Look after your testicular health by regularly checking for any lumps or other changes in your testicles. If you find anything, call Associated Urologists of North Carolina today.