phase 1 recap - before testicular cancer

Question 1

germ cells

Answer 1

cells which go on to produce sperm through spermatogenesis

Question 2

leydig cells

Answer 2

produce testosterone

• inside interstitial space

Question 3

Sertoli cells

Answer 3

Support and nourish germ cells, regulate spermatogenesis, and form the blood-testis barrier

• inside seminiferous tubules

Question 4

sarcoma

Answer 4

Sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, fat, cartilage, and blood vessels. It differs from carcinomas, which arise from epithelial tissues (e.g., skin, lung, breast, or colon cancer).

Question 5

seminoma

Answer 5

Seminoma is a type of testicular cancer that arises from germ cells (sperm-producing cells) in the testes. It is one of the most common and highly treatable testicular cancers, especially when diagnosed early.

Question 6

teratoma

Answer 6

A teratoma is a type of germ cell tumor that contains tissues from multiple germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm). These tumors can contain structures like hair, teeth, skin, muscle, and even neural tissue due to their origin from pluripotent germ cells.

Question 7

transillumination - testicular cancer

Answer 7

Transillumination is a clinical test used to help differentiate between solid and fluid-filled swellings in the scrotum.

A bright light is placed behind the swollen testicle.
If the mass glows red (allows light to pass through) → It is likely fluid-filled (e.g., hydrocele).
If the mass does not transilluminate (appears solid and dark) → It is likely a solid tumor, such as testicular cancer.

Question 8

leydig cell tumour causing gynecomastia (breast enlargement)

Answer 8

Leydig cell tumors (LCTs) are rare testicular tumors that arise from the Leydig cells, which normally produce testosterone. However, in some cases, these tumors can secrete excess estrogen, leading to gynecomastia (breast enlargement in males).

Question 9

orchidoplexy

Answer 9

surgery to remove undescended testicle

Question 10

contrast seminoma with teratoma

Answer 10

seminoma:
- arises form germ cells in seminiferous tubules
- confised to testes - can spread to lymph

teratoma:
- develops from undifferenciated germ cells
- tumour contains differenciated tissue from ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm
- can contain hair, teeth, skin or muscle