Testicular Cancer Flashcards
What is testicular cancer?
It is defined as the proliferation of malignant cells within the testicles
What is the most common malignancy in young males?
Testicular cancer
What are the two classifications of testicular cancer?
Germ Cell Testicular Cancer
Non-Germ Cell Testicular Cancer
What is the most common classification of testicular cancer?
Germ Cell Testicular Cancer
What is germ cell testicular cancer?
It is defined as testicular cancer which arises from germ cells, which are involved in sperm production
What are the two subclassifications of germ cell testicular cancer?
Seminoma Testicular Cancer
Non-Seminoma Testicular Cancer
What are the four subclassifications of non-seminoma testicular cancer?
Teratoma
Embryonal Carcinoma
Choriocarcinoma
Yolk Sac Tumours
What is non-germ cell testicular cancer?
It is defined as testicular cancer which arises from non-germ cells
What are the two subclassifications of non-germ cell testicular cancer?
Leydig Cell Cancers
Sertoli Cell Cancers
What seven risk factors are associated with testicular cancer?
Young Age, 20 – 35 Years Old
White Race
Family History
Infertility
Cryptorchidism
Klinefelter Syndrome
Mumps Orchitis
What is cryptochidism?
It is defined as a congenital condition in which the testicles don’t descend into the scrotum before birth
What are the three clinical features of testicular cancer?
Painless Testicular Lump
Hydrocele
Gynaecomastia
What is the most common clinical feature of testicular cancer?
Painless Testicular Lump
How is gynaecomastia associated with testicular cancer?
There is an increased oestrogen:androgen ratio
What two investigations are used to diagnose testicular cancer?
Blood Tests
Ultrasound Scan
What three blood test results indicate testicular cancer?
Increased hCG Levels
Increased AFP Levels
Increased LDH Levels
Which tumour marker is associated with seminoma testicular cancers?
hCG tumour marker
Which two tumour markers are associated with non-seminoma testicular cancers?
hCG tumour marker
AFP tumour marker
Which tumour marker is associated with germ cell testicular cancers?
LDH tumour marker
When are ultrasound scans used to diagnose testicular cancer?
They are the first line investigation
What is the feature of testicular cancer on ultrasound scans?
Heterogenous mass
What is the feature of non-seminoma testicular cancer on ultrasound scans? Explain
A cystic lesion containing heterogenous solid echoes
The echoes represent mutinous/sebaceous material, hair follicles, etc
Why are testicular biopsies contraindicated in suspected testicular cancer?
There is a risk of tumour seeding along the biopsy tract
What is the surgical management option of testicular cancer?
Orchidectomy
What is the gold standard management option of testicular cancer?
Orchidectomy
What is orchidectomy?
It involves surgical removal of the testicle
When is radiotherapy used to manage testicular cancer?
It is recommended to adjuvantly manage seminoma testicular cancers, following surgical management
When is chemotherapy used to manage testicular cancer?
It is recommended to adjuvantly manage germ cell testicular cancers, following surgical management
