Testicular Cancer

Testicular (tes-TIK-yoo-lar) cancer occurs when cells in the testice (TES-ti-kul), one of the two male sex glands located in the scrotum below the penis, divide without control or order, forming a tumor. Over time, these cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.

Lance Armstrong's Story

In 1996, champion bicyclist Lance Armstrong (b. 1971) noticed that one of his testicles was enlarged. When he began coughing up blood, he went to his doctor. After discovering that he had cancer in his testicle, he underwent an operation to remove the testicle. During the operation, doctors performed a CT scans, which showed that the cancer had metastasized (spread) to his abdomen, lungs, and brain. Lance immediately began an alternative chemotherapy regimen to destroy the cancerous cells. He was given a 50 percent chance of survival.

For the next several months, Armstrong underwent chemotherapy in the hope that it would destroy the cancer. Fortunately, Armstrong was declared cancer free in 1997. Over the next year, Armstrong trained hard to get back into shape for cycling, and in 1998, he made his comeback by finishing fourth in the Vuelta a Espana, a three-week race in Europe. A year later, Armstrong won the Tour de France, which he went on to win every year following until 2005, shattering records.

In 1997, before he even knew if he would survive cancer, Armstrong established the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a nonproft intended to inspire and empower all people who are affected by cancer. As of 2009, it had raised more than $250 million for cancer awareness, research, prevention, screening, and treatment.

"Livestrong," the motto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, became a symbol of hope and perseverance worldwide. The simple yellow logo printed on wristbands, clothing, and even laptop computers.

What Is Testicular Cancer?

The testicles, also called the testes or male gonads, are the male sex glands located below the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testicles are the body's main source of male hormones, which control the development of the reproductive organs and male sex characteristics such as body and facial hair, low voice, and muscular arms. They also produce and store sperm (the tiny, tadpole-like cells that fertilize the female egg).

Testicular cancer usually begins when cells begin to divide without control or order, forming a tumor. Cells can break away from the tumor and enter the blood or the lymph, an almost colorless fluid produced by tissues all over the body. The fluid passes through lymph node, the bean-shaped organs that filter the lymph, fight infection, and produce certain kinds of blood cells. When testicular cancer spreads, cancer cells usually are found in the nearby lymph nodes, the liver, or the lungs.

What Makes Early Detection Important?

Like most types of cancer, testicular cancer can be treated most casily when it is found early. That is why doctors encourage all teenage boys and men to perform monthly testicular self-examination (TSE), which involves rolling each testicle between the fingers and thumb. The testicles are smooth, oval-shaped, and rather firm, and men who examine themselves regularly become familiar with the way their testicles feel. If any change occurs, it should be reported to a doctor. For many men, it takes time to get comfortable with doing TSE, but it is the best way to find a lump early. This usually is the first sign of testicular cancer.