UK man who survived testicular cancer becomes father: Here’s how to do testicle self-exam

UK man who survived testicular cancer becomes father: Here’s how to do testicle self-exam

Unlike other cancers, testicular cancer is much more common in younger men. Doctors recommend regular testicle self-examination to identify testicular cancer at its earliest stage. Watch out for these warning signs and symptoms.

By: Longjam Dineshwori

This article is a repost which originally appeared on THE Health Site

In what could be called a miracle, a UK man who lost his right testicle to cancer recently became a father. Joseph Kelley Hook was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2017, when he was 29. Joseph knew something was very wrong when started feeling agonising pain in his groin and his right testicle had tripled in size. After a long fight, he finally defeated the cancer and was declared all clear in January 2018. But he never thought he would be able to have kids as he had his right testicle removed, plus chemo is known to reduce fertility. [The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction].

But in March this year, Joseph became a father when his partner Rachel gave birth to their son Jacob. He had frozen his sperm in case the couple ever needed it for IVF. But amazingly, he and Rachel were able to conceive naturally and didn’t need IVF.

Doctors in the UK say that testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in young men in the country. Joseph felt lucky that his cancer was caught early because of which could beat the deadly disease. He suggests all men to check their testicles and go to a doctor if they see or feel any changes.

Testicular cancer: Causes and risk factors

Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare. But unlike other cancers, it is much more common in younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 35. Men in their 30s are said to be at highest risk.  Usually, testicular cancer affects only one testicle.

Doctors are not clear about what causes testicular cancer in most cases. But they know that it occurs when healthy cells in a testicle become altered. Sometimes some cells may develop abnormalities and grow out of control. These accumulating cancer cells may form a mass in the testicle. Testicular cancers mostly begin in the germ cells — the cells in the testicles that produce immature sperm. But what causes these cells to become abnormal and develop into cancer is unclear.

Factors that may increase your risk of testicular cancer include: An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism), abnormal testicle development, family history, age, and race. Testicular cancer is found to be more common in white men than in black men. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent this cancer from occurring.

Know the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

In almost all diseases, early detection can lead to better treatment results and higher survival rate. Luckily, testicular cancer is highly treatable. The treatment will, however, depend on the type and stage of testicular cancer. Doctors also recommend regular testicle self-examination to identify testicular cancer at its earliest stage. So, watch out for these warning symptoms of testicular cancer to get it treated early.

  • A lump or enlargement in either testicle
  • Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • 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

If any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin last longer than two weeks, you need to see a doctor.

Testes: Anatomy and Function, Diagram, Conditions, and Health Tips

Testes: Anatomy and Function, Diagram, Conditions, and Health Tips

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, MD on May 29, 2018 — Written by Tim Jewell

This article is a repost which originally appeared on HealthLine

Edited for content

What are testes?

The testes — also called testicles — are two oval-shaped organs in the male reproductive system. They’re contained in a sac of skin called the scrotum. The scrotum hangs outside the body in the front of the pelvic region near the upper thighs.

Structures within the testes are important for the production and storage of sperm until they’re mature enough for ejaculation. The testes also produce a hormone called testosterone. This hormone is responsible for sex drive, fertility, and the development of muscle and bone mass.

Anatomy and function of testes

The main function of the testes is producing and storing sperm. They’re also crucial for creating testosterone and other male hormones called androgens.

Testes get their ovular shape from tissues known as lobules. Lobules are made up of coiled tubes surrounded by dense connective tissues.

Seminiferous tubules

Seminiferous tubules are coiled tubes that make up most of each testis. The cells and tissues in the tubules are responsible for spermatogenesis, which is the process of creating sperm.

These tubules are lined with a layer of tissue called the epithelium. This layer is made up of Sertoli cells that aid in the production of hormones that generate sperm. Among the Sertoli cells are spermatogenic cells that divide and become spermatozoa, or sperm cells.

The tissues next to the tubules are called Leydig cells. These cells produce male hormones, such as testosterone and other androgens.

Rete testis

After sperm is created in the seminiferous tubules, sperm cells travel toward the epididymis through the rete testis. The rete testis helps to mix sperm cells around in the fluid secreted by Sertoli cells. The body reabsorbs this fluid as sperm cells travel from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis.

Before sperm can get to the epididymis, they can’t move. Millions of tiny projections in the rete testis, known as microvilli, help move sperm along to the efferent tubules.

Efferent ducts

The efferent ducts are a series of tubes that join the rete testis to the epididymis. The epididymis stores sperm cells until they’re mature and ready for ejaculation.

These ducts are lined with hair-like projections called cilia. Along with a layer of smooth muscle, cilia help move the sperm into the epididymis.

The efferent ducts also absorb most of the fluid that helps to move sperm cells. This results in a higher concentration of sperm in ejaculate fluid.

Tunica: Vasculosa, albuginea, and vaginalis

The testes are surrounded by several layers of tissue. They are the:

  • tunica vasculosa
  • tunica albuginea
  • tunica vaginalis

Tunica vasculosa is the first thin layer of blood vessels. This layer shields the tubular interior of each testicle from further layers of tissue around the outer testicle.

The next layer is called the tunica albuginea. It’s a thick, protective layer made of densely packed fibers that further protect the testes.

The outermost layers of tissue are called the tunica vaginalis. The tunica vaginalis consists of three layers:

  • Visceral layer. This layer surrounds the tunica albuginea that shields the seminiferous tubules.
  • Cavum vaginale. This layer is an empty space between the visceral layer and the outermost layer of the tunica vaginalis.
  • Parietal layer. This layer is the outermost protective layer that surrounds almost the entire testicular structure.

What conditions affect the testes?

Many conditions can affect the testes. Here’s a list of some of the most common ones.

Hydrocele

A hydrocele happens when excess fluid builds up in the cavities around one of your testicles. This is sometimes present at birth, but it can also result from an injury or inflammation.

Hydrocele symptoms include:

  • testicular swelling that gets more noticeable as the day goes on
  • a dull ache in your scrotum
  • feeling heaviness in your scrotum

Hydroceles usually don’t require treatment unless they’re very large or painful. Most go away on their own, but more severe cases might require surgical removal.

Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion means that your testicle has rotated in the scrotum. This can wind up the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply, nerve function, and sperm transport to your scrotum.

Symptoms of testicular torsion include:

  • severe scrotum pain
  • swelling of the testicle
  • lower abdominal pain
  • feeling nauseous
  • vomiting
  • feeling like the testicle is out of place
  • urinating more than usual

Several things can cause testicular torsion, including:

  • injury to the scrotum
  • exercising too long or hard
  • being exposed to cold temperatures
  • free movement of the testicle in the scrotum caused by a genetic condition

Your doctor can treat testicular torsion by moving the testicle by hand. Some cases might require surgery to untwist the spermatic cord.

Orchitis

Orchitis refers to a swollen or inflamed testicle. Like epididymitis, orchitis often results from an infection caused by an STI.

Orchitis symptoms include:

  • testicular pain and tenderness
  • a swollen testicle
  • fever
  • feeling nauseous
  • vomiting

Both bacterial and viral infections can cause orchitis. A combination of antibiotics or antiviral medication, along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or cold packs can help reduce discomfort and pain. Orchitis usually disappears in 7-10 days.

Hypogonadism

Hypogonadism happens when your body doesn’t make enough testosterone. It can result from a testicular issue or because your brain doesn’t properly stimulate hormone production.

You can be born with this condition. It can also happen due to an injury, infection, or other condition that affects testosterone production.

Symptoms of hypogonadism vary depending on age:

  • In infants. The genitals might not be clearly male, or both sets of genitals might be present.
  • In teenagers. Symptoms may include:
    • a lack of muscle development
    • little body hair growth
    • no voice deepening
    • unusual arm and leg growth relative to the rest of the body
  • In adults. Symptoms may include:
    • a lack of fertility
    • loss of body hair
    • growth of breast tissue
    • loss of bone density
    • an inability to get an erection

Hypogonadism is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy. It’s aimed at either the brain or testes, depending on the source of low testosterone production.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer happens when cancerous cells multiply within the tissue of your testicles. It commonly starts in the tubular testicle structures that help produce sperm.

The cause of testicular cancer isn’t always clear.

Symptoms of testicular cancer can include:

  • a lump in your testicle
  • feeling heaviness in your scrotum
  • fluids in your scrotum
  • testicular pain
  • abdominal or back pain
  • swollen or tender breast tissue

Sometimes, your doctor can surgically remove the affected tissue. In other cases, you may need to have an entire testicle removed. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy can also help destroy cancer cells.

What are common symptoms of a testicular condition?

See your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms in one or both of your testes:

  • long-term pain that’s either dull or sharp
  • swelling
  • tenderness
  • a sensation of heaviness

Other symptoms of a problem with the testes include:

  • feeling sick
  • throwing up
  • abnormal abdominal or back pain
  • having to pee frequently
  • abnormal growth of breast tissue

Tips for healthy testes

Try the following to keep your scrotum in good health:

Do a monthly testicular self-exam

Roll each testicle around in your scrotum using your fingers. Check for lumps and swollen or tender areas.

Bathe regularly

Take a shower or bath every day to keep your entire genital area clean. This reduces your risk of infections that can cause other complications. Keep your penis and scrotal area dry after bathing. Moisture trapped in the area can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing

Try to avoid wearing tight underwear and pants. Allow your scrotum to hang naturally from your body to help keep the scrotal temperature low and prevent injury.

Wear protection when you have sex

Wear a condom when doing any kind of sexual activity involving your penis. This helps to prevent sexually transmitted diseases that affect your scrotum and testicles.

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