Final answer:
Testicular cancer may present as a new onset lump or swelling in the testes, and may include symptoms like pain or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. It's typically diagnosed with an ultrasound or blood tests and has a high cure rate involving surgical removal of the affected testis, possibly followed by other treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer:
Testicular cancer may present as new onset of a lump or swelling in one of the testes, which is often one of the first signs of this condition. While the lump may be painless, it can also manifest as a sharp pain or a dull ache in the lower abdomen or scrotum. Individuals might also experience a sensation of heaviness in the scrotum. Important to note, testicular cancer generally does not spread beyond the testes. However if it does the lungs are the most common site of metastasis, potentially leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath or a cough.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Testicular Cancer:
To diagnose testicular cancer a physical exam is conducted along with diagnostic tests including an ultrasound or blood tests to identify specific tumor markers. If testicular cancer is detected, it has one of the highest cure rates among all cancers. Typical treatment involves surgical removal of the affected testis and may be accompanied by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Even after the removal of one testis, reproductive functions can still be maintained if the remaining testis is healthy.