Testicular Cancer Treatment

Testicular cancer usually occurs in men of younger ages, ranging from 15-39 years and the chances of developing testicular cancer demur with age. However, the number of patients with testicular cancer has been on a rise.

Testicular cancer refers to the tumors in the testicles which are likely to grow quickly as they can double in size in just about 20-30 days. Studies have also shown that the tumor spreads more quickly through the lymph nodes. If detected at an early stage the curable percentage has reached 99% and survival rates have reached 90% in case of spread of the cancerous cells due to availability of new treatment methods. Testicular cancer treatments have been developed for the past 20years because of which it acts as a model for other types of cancers.

Testicular cancer is of two types, namely seminoma and nonseminoma, of which seminoma alone accounts for about 40% of testicular cancer. The nonseminoma is further classified into choriocarcinoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumors

A low fat diet is recommended which includes fruits, vegetables and grains. Tomato’s and watermelons are good sources of lycopene which help in the prevention of testicular cancer.

The various treatment plans available for testicular cancer based on the stage can be enlisted as follows:

• Orchiectomy: This is the standard operation which is performed for the removal of the testicle along with some part of the spermatic cord

• Radiation: Due to advances in chemotherapy this is a less used method. However, about half of the seminoma types of tumors are extremely receptive of radiation. Radiation is limited as there are some long term risks of secondary cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It is due to this reason that is used only as a preventive measure (adjuvant therapy)

• Chemotherapy: This technique is used for all types of testicular cancers as they are highly responsive to it. This method helps in wiping out the disease from the body. The complete treatment may last from one week to three months

• RPLND refers to retroperitoneal lymph node dissection which is used for the treatment of non-seminoma type tumors which have no indication of spread.
This method helps in the identification of the stage and route of spread of the disease.

Some of the side effects of testicular cancer any include fertility and sexuality which must also be looked upon and discussed with the doctor. It is also advisable that all men should perform monthly testicular self-examinations in order to identify any strangeness.

Copyright 2009

Testicular Cancer Orchiectomy

Orchiectomy refers to the removal of one or both testicles. The male sex organs which are responsible for the production of sperms and male hormone, testosterone are known as testicles. One of the most common treatments for testicular cancer is Orchiectomy.

Orchiectomy is also used for the treatment of other cancer conditions such as prostate cancer which has spread to the testes or on account of severe trauma to one or both testes. However, in some cases, orchiectomy is followed by an additional surgery for the removal of cancer which has spread or by adjuvant therapies like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Orchiectomy is for all time performed when testicular cancer is detected, as the testicular lumps are cancerous and therefore must be removed according to a definite treatment plan. Performing a biopsy must be avoided as it may cause the cancer cells to spread which may add problems in a successful treatment.

Orchiectomy can of varied types namely:
• Unilateral Orchiectomy: Where only one testicle is removed, either the right or the left
• Where both the testicles are removed : Bilateral Orchiectomy or Radical Orchiectomy
• Inguinal Orchiectomy where the operation is performed through an incision in the groin
• Scrotal Orchiectomy where the operation is performed by making an incision through the scrotum

Bilateral orchiectomy is infrequently done as it poses various side effects, which are related to the loss of testosterone after the removal of both testes. Some of the side effects may include

• Infertility
• Loss of sexual interest
• Erection problems
• Hot flashes
• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Weight gain
• Loss of muscle mass
• Osteoporosis

The Orchiectomy procedure is simple and relatively low-risk. It is usually finished in less than an hour. This involves, a small gap is made in the lower abdomen just below the belt line, and then the testicle is pushed up from the scrotum through the incision and removed. However, the surgery is accompanied with the following risks, such as:

• Reactions to anaesthesia or medications
• Infection
• Bleeding

Orchiectomy also helps in relieving bone pain and may cause the prostate cancer to shrink. Full recovery after the surgery can be resumed within 2 to 4 weeks of full recovery.


Copyright 2009

Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer Causes

Skin cancer is another type of fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Studies have found that one of three cancers is related to skin problems. Also that less than 10,000 people die from skin cancer in US each year. One of the main causes of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure which causes wrinkles and age spots on the face. Though skin damage is less apparent amongst young people however it shows up in the later half.

The symptoms of skin cancer may take several years to become prominent. The skin tumor usually develops in its epidermis form which is visible to the naked eye and can easily be diagnosed. An early detection of the disease can help in restricting the same. The curable percentage has reached 90% for patients reaching the past 5 years survival mark.

Melanoma is the form of skin cancer which has been steadily increasing over the last 20 years. The reason given by the dermatologists is related to an increase in the amount of sun exposure in younger years.

Skin colour obtained from being in the sun (suntan) usually accelerates the effects of aging thereby increasing the risk for skin cancer. However, sun exposure alone is responsible for most of the skin changes.

Elastine, the fibers in the skin are damaged by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The skin begins to sag, stretch, and loses its ability to return into place after stretching once these fibers are damaged.
Ultraviolet is a part of the gamut of radiation emitted by the sun and is divided into different wavelengths which are known as UVA, UVB and UVC. Of which UVC is the shortest wavelength which is blocked by ozone and oxygen. No matter the size it most dangerous for the skin. Tanning beds are equally harmful as the ultraviolet rays from the sun, as they cause brown patches, broken blood vessels, premature wrinkles and a leathery looking skin.

Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer types are caused due to cumulative sun exposure, whereas melanoma type of cancer is caused due to the episodes of severe sunburns, usually before 18 years. Repeated X-ray exposure and occupational exposure to certain chemicals are some less common causes of skin cancer.

Moreover, pale skin, numerous moles, smoking, a diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables, and frequent sunburns also act as strong predictors of later skin cancer as compared to UV exposure.

Copyright 2009

Skin Cancer Causes and Symptoms

Skin Cancer refers to the cancer that forms in the tissues of the skin which can occur to any individual. It is one of the most common types of cancers in the U.S.

Due to strong correlation between skin cancer and skin pigmentation, the fair skinned people are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer as compared to the dark skinned people. There are over one million cases annually, although not all are reported. As the statistics of cancer patients keeps increasing every year therefore the medical specialists have not been able to specify the age group of occurrence of skin cancer.

There are three different types of skin cancers, namely:

• Melanoma- The skin cancer which forms in melanocyes (skin cells that make pigments)
• Squamous cell carcinoma- The types of skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin)

Of the above, basal cell carcinomas and most squamous cell carcinomas together are referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. They are slow growing and very much treatable, especially if detected at an early stage. Whereas, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer as it affects the deeper layers of the skin with a high potential of spreading to the other parts of the body.

Skin cancer can be disfiguring and dangerous as about 80% can appear on any part of the body especially on the face, head or neck.

The main causes of skin cancer may include the following:

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation,
• Sunburn,
• Heredity,
• Environment (Cloud cover).

The symptoms of Skin Cancer are as follows:

• Change in a wart or mole due to skin growth
• Red, tender, flat spots which may bleed
• A smooth and pearly looking small and fleshy bump
• Shiny bump that may resemble a mole or cyst
• Part of skin that feels scaly, bleeds, or develops a crust.

There are no noted symptoms in the early stages as initially cancer develops in the form of precancerous lesions known as dysplasia, which later forms cancerous cells. However, if it is ignored for a longer period of time then it may spread to the other organs which may further affect the normal working of the skin.

Copyright 2009

Prostate Cancer Prevention

Prostate cancer is the intensification of malevolent cells in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in men. This gland is responsible for producing about 30 percent of the fluid portion of semen. The general ratio of contracting this disease is one in ten to one in thirteen, and it is largely diagnosed as male cancer. It is also the second most primary cause of male cancer deaths worldwide.

Various studies have proved that about 90% of males over the age of 50years do have some microscopic indication of prostate problems. Like other cancers, the symptoms of prostate cancer are not apparent until the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

In other words, prostate cancer tends to grow very slowly and takes years to spread, therefore, immediate and belligerent treatment is not advised for older men, apart from observant waiting. This further highlights the importance of regular checkups and blood tests, but the treatment is started only when there is evidence of tumor growth.

Researchers have ruled that prostate cancer is complex as they are yet to determine the full range of factors that cause it along with the specification of appropriate prostate cancer prevention strategies which are safe and most successful.

The explicit treatment plan is dependent of the following factors:

• Patients age,
• Features of the cancerous cells,
• Risk of complications.

Making dietary and lifestyle changes along with precise treatment plan play an important role in the prevention of prostate cancer. As in countries where people tend to eat a lot of saturated fats (such as red meat) are at a higher risk for this disease. Therefore whole grain foods such as brown rice and whole wheat bread with limited salt and a variety of fruits and vegetables including tomatoes help in restricting cancer.

Apart from diet changes herbal therapy in the form of beta-sitosterol can help in maintaining healthy male hormone balance and also reduces the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Prostate cancer can be treated by removing the prostate gland before the cancerous cells spread if detected early. However, it is very difficult to advise surgery as it is not possible to predict which cancer would spread and which would not.
Though prostate cancer cannot be cured with the help of conventional medicines once it has spread however, it can be restricted by unconventional and homeopathic treatments

Copyright 2009