Learning About Testicular Cancer
- Robert Woolf, 47, found a small lump on one of his testicles, but doctors initially dismissed it as nothing to worry about.
- Luckily, the English man took to YouTube for advice on testicular cancer and scheduled a follow-up appointment. He learned there was a small growth on his right testicle and had it surgically removed out of precaution.
- Symptoms of testicular cancer can be subtle. Some people may even confuse the early symptoms such as a small mass in their testicle as an injury. But when these signs are dismissed, the cancer can grow and become worse.
- Self examinations are incredibly important when it comes to screening for testicular cancer. Men aged 15 to 55 should perform a monthly self-examination to find any changes in the testes that might indicate cancer at an early stage.
After watching a YouTube video, the 47-year-old man, from Harrow in West London, decided to schedule another appointment with his general practitionera move he says “may have saved his life,” according to the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.
Read MoreNow, Woolf is urging others to be smart and seek advice if “something doesn’t feel right.”
“Trust your instincts because the earlier you catch cancer, the better the outcome,” he explained. “The worst thing you can do is ignore it and hope it goes away.”
Woolf concluded, “The doctors were great. They see this sort of thing all the time so there is no need to feel embarrassed or awkward. Your health is the most important thing you have.”
A local NHS trust spokesperson, who shared Woolf’s story, said the internet “may have encouraged a generation of armchair doctors but has also helped raise awareness of medical conditions and people's right to question medical professionals.”
Understanding Testicular Cancer
A testicular cancer diagnosis is rare, but it is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in young men. Depending on the stage, the disease is considered extremely treatable. Treatment options can include chemotherapy and radiation, but often the first line of treatment is surgery to remove the testicle which contains the cancerous cells.
Symptoms of testicular cancer can be subtle. Some people may even confuse the early symptoms such as a small mass in their testicle as an injury. But when these signs are dismissed, the cancer can grow and become worse.
RELATED: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Was Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer
"It's not uncommon to see men come in with masses on their scrotum and have inflammation of the scrotal wall; they develop pain as a result. A lump is the most common symptom of testicular cancer," Dr. Edwin Posadas, the medical director of the Urologic Oncology Program at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, previously told SurvivorNet.
Dealing With the Shame That May Come With Testicular Cancer
Dr. Posadas says some men may even notice blood in their ejaculate as a result of testicular cancer. "This symptom is less common, but always bad," he said.
Other symptoms can include:
- Breast growth or soreness
- Early puberty in boys
- Low back pain (a potential symptom of advanced testicular cancer)
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cough (a potential symptom of advanced testicular cancer)
- Belly pain (a potential symptom of advanced testicular cancer)
- Headaches or confusion (a potential symptom of advanced testicular cancer)
Dr. Posadas urges young men to seek medical care if they are having symptoms. "Most men under the age of 40 tend not to think about seeing a doctor they need to know to advocate for themselves," he said.
Screening for Testicular Cancer
Testicular self-examination is one way to screen for this disease, Dr. Posadas says.
"It takes less than a minute," Dr. Posadas previously told SurvivorNet. "Rub testicles through your fingers looking for any sore areas. Rub the top of the testicle, particularly the delicate epididymis. (The epididymis is a tube at the back of the testicles which stores and carries sperm.)
"Don't squeeze real hard on there… [You should] look for a smoother feel; if you feel a hard nodule on there, you may require blood work from a urologist. [Testicular cancer] is highly curable, even when it's advanced."
In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, Dr. Bradley McGregor, clinical director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, also emphasized the importance of self-examinations.
"It is recommended that men aged 15 to 55 perform a monthly self-examination to find any changes to help find the cancer at an early stage," Dr. McGregor said. And if someone spots any of the early symptoms, "he should visit his doctor immediately." It's important to be aware of your body and get in touch with a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
"Testicular cancer commonly occurs from ages 20-45, but it can occur at any age," Dr. McGregor continued. "The highest risk factor for testicular cancer is a history of cryptorchidism, an undescended testicle, where the testicle does not move down into the scrotum before birth. Men with a family history of testicular cancer are at increased risk as well. No lifestyle changes have been shown to definitively reduce the risk of testicular cancer."
Men Dismiss Symptoms Too Often
When something in your body feels off, it never hurts to talk to a doctor about it. However, this is often easier said than done. Unlike women, who will report symptoms to their doctor but sometimes be brushed off, men sometimes ignore a doctor visit as long as possible.
This was the case for testicular cancer survivor Todd Rosenbluth, who was one of those guys who avoided the doctor at all costs. He led a healthy lifestyle, so he reasoned with himself that a routine check-up wasn't really necessary. It was Rosenbluth's wife who pushed him to schedule a visit, and it ended up being be the best decision he could have made. Now, he's an advocate for early detection.
"My wife definitely saved my life," Rosenbluth previously told SurvivorNet. "Luckily when I caught the testicular cancer it was so early that I'm totally fine to this day, and it's because of her. Testicular cancer is 99% curable if it's caught early enough. The only way to catch it is self exam or go to the doctor. If you're worried don't be ashamed, guys. Go to the doctor."
Contributing: Abigail Seaberg
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