Testicular cancer: What are its symptoms and treatment?

(Sensitive topic about an illness to a sensitive portion of the male anatomy.)

In 2015, “That’s My Bae” grand winner Kenneth Earl Medrano bravely shared how he was afflicted with testicular cancer. What is this dangerous illness that could be fatal if it is not detected or treated early? Let’s find out.

In the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” Kenneth recounted his experience with this deadly disease that afflicts men aged 15 to 35.

After he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, Kenneth shared the news on social media.

It all began for Kenneth when last December, he felt a lump on one of the sensitive parts of his body— the testicle.

“Parang may nakaumbok. Habang tumatagal nag-iba talaga specially yung size sa right na testicle ko. Alam ko sarili ko na may iba. Hula ko lang cancer talaga siya,” said Kenneth who is now based in Cebu.

(It felt like a bump. The longer it took it begane to change specially its size on my right testicle. I know something was not right. I thought it might be cancer.)

His partner Mhae also felt something was wrong with his condition and urged Kenneth to undergo a medical checkup.

Since his doctor had doubts Kenneth’s condition was not caused by a common infection, he ordered a lab test to be conducted of blood markers for cancer.

The test confirmed that Kenneth had testicular cancer on one testicle and that the lump has become large.

“Parang gumuho po yung mundo ko. Bakit ako? May baby pa ako, gusto ko pang makita yung mga apo ako,” he shared.

(It felt like my world crashed. Why me? I have a baby, I want to see my grandchildren.)

In order for Kenneth to be treated, it was recommended that he undergo an orchiectomy, an operation that would remove the afflicted testicle.

But with the said procedure, the doctor informed Kenneth and his partner that there will be a small chance for them to have another child.

Which is why Kenneth was grateful he and Mhae already have a baby.

According to Kenneth, the doctor told him to prepare P250,000 to cover the cost of the operation and this wiped out his savings.

Last February, Kenneth went through with the operation. Two weeks after the surgery, he was back at work.

Experts said there is a good chance that a patient with the said disease will recover if it is detected early, allowing it to be immediately treated.

But if left untreated, the risk of cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body greatly increases.

A patient who had testicular cancer, despite the removal of the affected testicle, still needs to undergo chemotherapy since other parts of the body was affected by the cancer.

There are also instances that complications may occur if the patient’s testicular cancer was not immediately treated, leading to death.

According to Dr. Jerome San Jose, Urologist, one possiblen cause or risk factor of testicular cancer is a strong family history or a family member has had testicular cancer.

In the case of Kenneth, it may be possible that the sickness runs in their family after one of his cousins told him that an uncle had a similar condition.

Testicular cancer can also develop in patients because of cryptorchidism or undescended testicle, a condition involving the scrotal sack or scrotum or one or both testicles since birth.

Another possible cause is a problem with a hormone called testosterone.

One patient with testicular cancer thought he just had UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) that was causing stomachaches and difficulty in urinating.

In the Mayo Clinic website, males aged 15 to 45 could be afflicted by this disease.

• Among the symptoms or signs of testicular cancer that commonly affects one tesitcle are:
• A lump or swelling in any of the two testicles
• A heaviness in the scrotum or the ball sack
• Pain in the lower abdomen or groin
• Sudden swelling of the scrotum
• Ache or discomfort of the testicles or scrotum
• Back pain

If the pain lasts for two weeks, patients are advised to visit a doctor for a checkup.

According to KMJS, even though testicular cancer rarely occurs, it could be fatal especially if it is not detected and treated in its early stages. – RF, GMA News