
Some other factors, that have also considered to be related with Seminoma, involve:
- Exposure to organochlorine
- Being subjected to Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy
- High levels of estrogen
- Marijuana abuse
- Testicular microlithiasis
- Nutrition status at the time of infancy
What causes a seminoma to grow uncontrollably?
A seminoma arises from germ cells that grow uncontrollably. Germ cells are the cells that form an embryo in a mother's womb. Later on in development, germ cells are supposed to mature into sperm-producing cells within the male testicles.
What is seminoma?
Seminoma (also known as pure seminoma or classical seminoma) is a germ cell tumor of the testicle or, more rarely, the mediastinum or other extra-gonadal locations. It is a malignant neoplasm and is one of the most treatable and curable cancers, with a survival rate above 95% if discovered in early stages.
Where does testicular seminoma originate?
Testicular seminoma originates in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. About half of germ cell tumors of the testicles are seminomas.
What is seminomatous germ cell tumor?
Disease definition. Testicular seminomatous germ cell tumor is a rare testicular germ cell tumor (see this term), most commonly presenting with a painless mass in the scrotum, with a very high cure rate if caught in the early stages. Epidemiology. Annual incidence in Europe is 1/62,000 people.
What causes seminoma cancer?
Later in development, germ cells in males are supposed to mature into sperm-producing cells within the testicles. If the germ cells don't mature as they are supposed to, they can sometimes change and multiply uncontrollably to form a seminoma or non-seminoma.
What is the main cause of testicular cancer?
Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) is the most significant risk factor for testicular cancer. Around 3 to 5% of boys are born with their testicles inside their abdomen. They usually descend into the scrotum during the first year of life, but in some boys the testicles do not descend.
Where does seminoma arise from?
A type of cancer that begins in germ cells in males. Germ cells are cells that form sperm in males or eggs in females. Seminomas occur most often in the testicle, but they may also occur in other areas of the body, such as the brain, chest, or abdomen.
What are three 3 risk factors for testicular cancer?
Risk factors for testicular cancer include:Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) ... Abnormal cells in the testicle (germ cell neoplasia in situ, or GCNIS) ... Family history. ... Previous testicular cancer. ... Abnormality of the penis and urethra (hypospadias) ... HIV or AIDS. ... Ethnic background.
What are 4 risk factors of testicular cancer?
There are four well-established risk factors for testis cancer:Cryptorchidism (an undescended testicle).Family history.Personal history.Intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN).
What are 5 warning signs of testicular cancer?
Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:A lump or swelling in either testicle.A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.A dull ache in the lower belly or groin.Sudden swelling in the scrotum.Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue.Back pain.
What is the most common age to contract a seminoma?
The highest rates are in in the 30 to 34 age group.
How fast does seminoma grow?
The median lymph node growth rate for patients with seminoma was 1.35 mm/month (range 0.62-4.56) and for patients with non-seminoma 2.99 mm/month (range 0.77-7.06); the difference in growth rates was statistically significant (P=0.029).
How does seminoma spread?
Most seminoma tumors grow more slowly than non-seminoma tumors. But they can spread to the lymph nodes or lungs. In some cases, they can reach other parts of the body like your brain or liver. Seminoma tumors do respond better to radiation therapy and chemotherapy than non-seminomas.
Can you get testicular cancer from ejaculating?
Testicular cancer is not an infection. You cannot pass cancer cells to your partner during sex, and ejaculation will not make your cancer worse. If you are having chemotherapy, use a condom during sex. This will protect your partner from contact with the drugs in your semen.
Can drinking alcohol cause testicular cancer?
Consumption of alcoholic beverages may be associated with an increased TGCT risk. Over the past several decades, testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) incidence has increased dramatically among males of European ancestry aged 15 and older.
Who is at greatest risk of testicular cancer?
Testicular Cancer: Risk FactorsAge. More than half of the people who are diagnosed with testicular cancer are between age 20 and 45. ... Cryptorchidism. ... Family history. ... Personal history. ... Race. ... Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Who is most likely to get testicular cancer?
Testis cancer is most common in men in their late 20s and early 30s, with an average age of diagnosis of 33 years old. In fact, testis cancer is the most common malignancy among men 20 to 40 years old.
What are the 2 most common signs of testicular cancer?
Usually, an enlarged testicle or a small lump or area of hardness are the first signs of testicular cancer. Any lump, enlargement, hardness, pain, or tenderness should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
What is testicular seminoma?
Testicular seminoma is a germ cell neoplasm originating from the seminiferous tubules, due to malignant transformation of primordial germ cells. The exact molecular derangements underlying this transformation are not clearly understood, but the most common genetic finding is the gain of genetic material from chromosome 12p. Some of the mutations noticed in germ cell tumors include BRAF, KIT, KRAS, NRAS, and TP53, although single-gene mutations are relatively uncommon. [13]
What is the most common testicular tumor in men?
Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) account for the most common malignancy in men aged 15 to 34 years. However, it accounts for less than 1% of all male tumors. The incidence of testicular tumors is rising from the past 20 years. In the United States, testicular seminoma is the most common subtype of testicular cancer.[11] A higher incidence of seminoma is seen among Whites than in African Americans, and the rate has increased in the White population over recent decades. [12]
What are the risks of exposure to organochlorines?
Environmental Exposure: Exposure to chemical compounds like organochlorines, polychlorinated biphenyls, polyvinyl chlorides, phthalates, marijuana, and tobacco is associated with an increased risk of seminoma or other germ cell tumors. [6][7]
What are the different types of testicular germ cell tumors?
Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) have different pathological subtypes, including seminoma, teratoma, cho riocarcinoma, embryonal, and yolk sac carcinoma. The most significant clinical distinction is between seminoma and nonseminoma, two broad categories with different treatment algorithms. Seminoma based on classification is pure seminoma upon histopathological review. The presence of any nonseminatous elements (even if seminoma is prevalent) changes the classification to nonseminoma.
What is scrotal ultrasonography?
Scrotal ultrasonography is done to rule out other conditions. It shows a homogeneous hypoechoic intratesticular mass, more extensive lesions may be inhomogeneous. Cystic areas and calcifications are less common in seminomas than in non-seminomatous tumors. For a definitive diagnosis, an orchiectomy is performed, which is diagnostic as well as therapeutic. Histologic and laboratory results confirm the diagnosis and help differentiate the type of testicular cancers.
What is the treatment for stage 1 seminoma?
Stage I:For patients with stage I seminoma, orchiectomy is usually curative. [20][21] Options for post-orchiectomy management include surveillance alone or adjuvant chemotherapy with one single infusion of carboplatin or prophylactic radiotherapy (declining interest).
How long does a person live after testicular cancer?
With post-therapy life estimates being approximately more than 40 years in these young individuals, the morbidity of long term complications can be very significant.
How old is the average person with testicular cancer?
The average age of diagnosis is between 35 and 50 years. This is about 5 to 10 years older than men with other germ cell tumors of the testes. In most cases, they produce masses that are readily felt on testicular self-examination; however, in up to 11 percent of cases, there may be no mass able to be felt, or there may be testicular atrophy. Testicular pain is reported in up to one fifth of cases. Low back pain may occur after metastasis to the retroperitoneum.
What is the pathology of a testicle removed?
The pathology of the removed testicle and spermatic cord indicate the presence of the seminoma and assist in the staging. Tumors with both seminoma and nonseminoma elements or that occur with the presence of AFP should be treated as nonseminomas.
Where does seminoma originate?
Testicular seminoma originates in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. About half of germ cell tumors of the testicles are seminomas. Treatment usually requires removal of one testicle. However, fertility usually isn't affected. All other sexual functions will remain intact.
What is a testicular seminoma?
Testicular seminoma, showing a typically prominent lymphocytic infiltrate in the fibrous stroma separating the clusters of tumor cells.
What is stage 2 seminoma?
Stage 2 seminoma is indicated by the presence of retroperitoneal metastasis. Cases require radiotherapy or, in advanced cases, combination chemotherapy. Large residual masses found after chemotherapy may require surgical resection. Second-line treatment is the same as for nonseminomas.
What is the treatment for stage 1 seminoma?
The preferred treatment for most forms of stage 1 seminoma is active surveillance. Stage 1 seminoma is characterized by the absence of clinical evidence of metastasis. Active surveillance consists of periodic history and physical examinations, tumor marker analysis, and radiographic imaging.
Where is seminoma found?
Some cases of seminoma can present as a primary tumour outside the testis, most commonly in the mediastinum. In the ovary, the tumor is called a dysgerminoma, and in non- gonadal sites, particularly the central nervous system, it is called a germinoma.
What is the etiology of testicular seminomatous germ cell tumors?
Etiology is unknown but tumors are thought to arise from an embryonic germ cell leading to testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (the precursor to classical seminoma). Cryptorchidism is a risk factor for the development of testicular seminomatous germ cell tumors.
How to treat stage 1 seminoma?
Treatment for stage 1 seminoma involves an orchiectomy or partial orchiectomy in some cases. Most patients (88%) do not require any further treatment and only surveillance is necessary. In those cases where follow up is difficult, adjuvant carboplatin or radiotherapy can be applied. Para-aortic and ipsilateral iliac radiotherapy (30 Gy in 2 Gy fractions) is the standard treatment of stage 2A seminoma. Cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin (PEB) chemotherapy (three cycles) or cisplatin and etoposide (PE) chemotherapy (4 cycles) is an alternative to radiotherapy (but has more acute toxicity). Those with stage 2B, 2C and stage 3 seminomas are given PEB chemotherapy (three or four cycles depending on prognosis ). In those with a reduced lung capacity or with emphysema or in severe smokers, 4 cycles of PE is preferred over PEB. Ifosfamide is given instead of bleomycin in certain cases (i.e. patients with existing lung damage). Follow up and sometimes a PET scan is recommended to monitor for residual lesions. Due to cosmetic and psychological reasons, patients may be offered testicular prostheses after an orchidectomy.
What age does seminoma occur?
Clinical description. Seminoma usually presents in males between the ages of 30-40. A painless mass in the scrotum is indicative of disease. A long-standing hydrocele may be noted causing a feeling of heaviness in the testicle. Gynecomastia and back and flank pain are symptoms that are seen in some patients.
What is monarch initiative?
The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features.
Is testicular non seminomatous germ cell tumor excluded?
Testicular non seminomatous germ cell tumors (see this term) must be excluded.
What is the blood test for tumors?
Measurement of tumor markers in blood such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta human chorionic gonadotropin (BHC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is needed as it can be useful in cases where the tumor is still very small.
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Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.
What is the cause of testicular mesothelioma?
In some rare cases, patients have developed testicular mesothelioma which is caused by a mutation of mesothelial cells. Although there is a lack of significant research regarding this disease at the moment, asbestos exposure has been associated with it considering that around 35% of all patients suffering from testicular mesothelioma have had a history of asbestos exposure.
How long does testicular mesothelioma last?
Patients with testicular mesothelioma usually have a short life expectancy of approximately 20 months after receiving their diagnosis. Despite this, testicular mesothelioma does have a slightly better prognosis than mesothelioma developing in the chest or abdomen. Although rare, testicular mesothelioma accounts for approximately 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which can be linked to asbestos exposure, it is not yet clear how asbestos exposure can cause a primary tumor to develop in the pouch of the serous membrane that covers the testes.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer affecting middle-aged and older men and in some rare cases even young boys. There are two types of testicular cancer (seminomas and nonseminomas), with the seminoma type being a slow-growing form typically found in men in their 40s and 50s. This type of cancer is located in the testes, but it is possible to spread to the lymph nodes.
Can you get compensation for testicular mesothelioma?
Determining a link between testicular mesothelioma and asbestos exposure can make you automatically eligible for receiving compensation. Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience in working with victims of toxic exposure, filing claims with asbestos trust funds, and recovering the rightful compensation. Considering the fact that these cases usually have a statute of limitations of approximately 3 years, it is advisable to act as soon as possible if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with testicular mesothelioma or testicular cancer seminoma that can be linked to toxic exposure. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way.
Is testicular mesothelioma a hernia?
Patients suffering from this type of cancer have a significantly better prognosis than those affected by other types of mesothelioma. There are no specific symptoms that can help detect testicular mesothelioma, which is why many people with this cancer initially receive the wrong diagnosis, doctors mistaking it for a more common condition such as a hernia. Because it is so rare testicular mesothelioma is often diagnosed during or after surgery.
Do asbestos screenings help with testicular cancer?
Those who have a history of asbestos exposure need to also undergo asbestos screening in order to establish if asbestos fibers are also present in the lungs, as this could help prove a link between testicular cancer and occupational exposure and could help meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for compensation.
Is testicular cancer a good prognosis?
Testicular cancer generally has a good prognosis if discovered in the early stages. If the disease is left untreated it will progress over time, leading to large local tumors and spread to other organs. Data from The International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group attests that 90% of seminomas present a 5-year survival rate of 86% and 10% present a survival rate of 73%. This is because seminoma is a radio-sensitive tumor that if treated appropriately in stage I, can have cure rates of nearly 100%.
What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
Testicular lumps. Pain, swelling or lumps in your testicle or groin area may be a sign or symptom of testicular cancer or other medical conditions requiring treatment. Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include: A lump or enlargement in either testicle. A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. A dull ache in the abdomen or groin.
Where do testicular cancer cells form?
The accumulating cells form a mass in the testicle. Nearly all testicular cancers begin in the germ cells — the cells in the testicles that produce immature sperm. What causes germ cells to become abnormal and develop into cancer isn't known.
How old do you have to be to get testicular cancer?
But testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 35. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle. Depending on the type and stage of testicular cancer, you may receive one of several treatments, or a combination.
How long does it take for a lump to go away in the testicles?
See your doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
What does it mean when you feel a heaviness in your scrotum?
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. A dull ache in the abdomen or groin. A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum. Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum. Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts. Back pain. Cancer usually affects only one testicle.
Why do cancer cells divide?
But sometimes some cells develop abnormalities, causing this growth to get out of control — these cancer cells continue dividing even when new cells aren't needed. The accumulating cells form a mass in the testicle.
Can testicular cancer be prevented?
Prevention. There's no way to prevent testicular cancer. Some doctors recommend regular testicle self-examinations to identify testicular cancer at its earliest stage. But not all doctors agree. Discuss testicular self-examination with your doctor if you're unsure about whether it's right for you.
What is RPLND surgery?
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND): In few select cases, where the cancer has spread only to these lymph nodes, surgery may be done to take them out. Chemo may then be given after surgery.
What is the procedure to remove lymph nodes?
If tumor marker levels are normal, there are 2 main options: Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND): This is surgery to remove the lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen. If the lymph nodes that were removed contain cancer, chemo (typically for 2 cycles) might be given.
How many cycles of chemo for lymph nodes?
Chemotherapy: This is typically the preferred treatment. It is usually either 4 cycles of EP (etoposide and cisplatin) or 3 cycles of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin). Radiation: This may be an option instead of chemo if the lymph nodes aren't enlarged from cancer spread.
What is stage IB?
Choices for stage IB (T2, T3, or T4) Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND): This is surgery to remove the lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen (belly). If cancer is found in the lymph nodes, chemo is often recommended depending on the number of nodes with cancer in them. (See below.)
How many cycles of BEP for cancer?
This can help reduce the risk that the cancer will come back. If cancer was found in the lymph nodes after surgery, 2 to 4 cycles of BEP or EP (etoposide and cisplatin) may be given, depending on how many nodes had cancer in them. This has a high cure rate, but it can have side effects (which are mostly short-term).
How often do you have to watch for stage 2 seminoma?
The doctor will then watch closely (every 3 to 6 months) for any signs that the cancer has come back .
How long does it take for testicular cancer to recur?
If this happens, it’s usually within the first 2 years after treatment. In general, if the cancer recurs, it’s probably best to get a second opinion from a center with extensive experience in treating relapsed testicular cancer before starting treatment.
What is a germ cell tumor?
Germ cell tumors are growths that form from reproductive cells. Tumors may be cancerous or noncancerous. Most germ cell tumors that are cancerous occur as cancer of the testicles (testicular cancer) or cancer of the ovaries (ovarian cancer). Some germ cell tumors occur in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, brain and chest, ...
Where do germ cell tumors occur?
Some germ cell tumors occur in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, brain and chest, though it's not clear why. Germ cell tumors that occur in places other than the testicles and ovaries (extragonadal germ cell tumors) are very rare. Germ cell tumors tend to respond to treatment and many can be cured, even when diagnosed at a late stage.
