When faced with testicular cancer, it is recommended to consider fertility preservation (sperm freezing), since it is more frequent in men between 20 and 34 years of age.
There are different types of testicular cancer caused by different types of cells. Alterations in the germ cells, which produce the spermatozoa, are responsible in 90% of the cases.
To a lesser extent, the cells that form part of the supporting and hormone-producing tissues of the testicles (Leydig cells and Sertoli cells) can produce benign tumors and rarely cancer.
It can also happen, albeit very rarely, that cancer occurs in an organ other than the testicle (lymphoma, melanoma, prostate cancer, kidney…) but eventually spreads to the testicles and damages them.
What causes testicular cancer?
The exact cause of testicular cancer is not known. In some cases, alterations in certain genes (oncogenes) have been seen that cause the cells to divide uncontrollably. In other cases, the opposite is true. The alteration of the genes leads to a slowing down of cell division or even to their death (tumor suppressor genes).
It is also known that in many testicular cancers, cells with a copy of more than one area of chromosome 12 are found.
What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
Scientists have found few risk factors. Among those currently known are:
- Family history: in most cases there is no relationship with family history, but it is more likely to have testicular cancer if another family member has had it. Males with Klinefelter’s syndrome (with an extra X chromosome) also have a higher risk of testicular cancer.
- Age: the highest probability of suffering from this cancer is between 20 and 34 years of age. However, testicular cancer has been diagnosed in infants and the elderly.
- Ethnicity: white males are up to 4 times more likely to suffer from testicular cancer than others such as Asians or Africans.
- Cancer in the other testicle: about 4% of patients who have been cured of testicular cancer will get cancer in the other testicle.
- Cryptorchidism: occurs when the testicle has not descended from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum (pouch where the testicles are located). The testicles usually descend before birth, but in 3% of cases, they do not. If the male develops testicular cancer, it will appear in 75% of the cases in the undescended testicle. However, in 25% of the cases in which it appears in the testicle that did descend, some scientists conclude that cryptorchidism itself does not favor testicular cancer, but that there must be some other factor.
- HIV infection: it has been shown that men with HIV infection have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer.
Can testicular cancer be prevented?
To date, most of the risk factors have not been elucidated, so it is difficult to prevent testicular cancer.
What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
Most of the time a lump in the testicle or an increase in size can be observed. Other times, it goes unnoticed. That is why it is very important that, in routine medical consultations, the testicles are explored or that the male performs a monthly self-examination of his testicles.
How is a self-examination of the testicles performed?
It is best done after showering. It is necessary to place the testicle between the thumbs and fingers of both hands and roll it, squeezing it lightly to feel any deformity or pain.
Keep in mind that there are normal situations, such as one testicle being larger than the other, or hanging more. There are changes in the testicles that are due to other pathologies that are not cancer, such as hydrocele (accumulation of fluid in the testicle), or varicocele (dilation of the veins of the testicle).
How is testicular cancer treated?
It will depend on the type of testicular cancer and its stage. Each patient must have a personalized treatment. Generally, it is treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or the use of all of them together.
What is the prognosis for a male with testicular cancer?
The prognosis is very good. Males with testicular cancer have a 5-year survival rate of between 73% (if it spread outside the testicle) and 99% (if it was detected before it spread outside the testicle). Many live longer than 5 years, others are completely cured.
Is it possible to have sexual intercourse with testicular cancer?
Yes, but the treatment may cause the patient to lose sexual appetite due to medication or emotional pressure.
On the other hand, it must be taken into account that the patient’s defenses are low, so he/she is more prone to infections.
Is it possible to have children with testicular cancer?
Yes, but sometimes the cancer is associated with a decrease in the quantity and quality of spermatozoa, so the male may have fertility problems. Treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy contraindicates pregnancy, since it can damage the genetic material of the spermatozoa and this can produce more miscarriages, not pregnancies or alterations in the fetus.
Does testicular cancer or its treatment cause infertility? How can fertility be preserved?
In a high percentage of cases, infertility is a side effect. It is frequent that there is a decrease or total absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. This can be temporary or persistent. Furthermore, even without losing the spermatozoa themselves, treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy can damage their DNA.
Therefore, it is essential to freeze semen. It is a simple and quick procedure that preserves the fertility of the male and makes it possible for him to procreate after the cure.
If you have any doubts about the quantity and quality of your sperm, or you want to learn more about sperm freezing, do not hesitate to make an appointment, without obligation, for a free initial consultation. You can make an appointment by calling (+34)911538777.