Testicular cancer lecture notes

Question 1

Which week does differentiation of gonads start?

Answer 1

4th

Question 2

What are the 3 roles of the testicles?

Answer 2

Spermatogenesis
Hormone Production
Sexual conduit

Question 3

What are sertoli cells?

Answer 3

Specialised type of cell found in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles. Role in development and maturation of spermatozoa

Question 4

What cells produce testosterone (and other hormones)?

Answer 4

Leydig cells

Question 5

Where do sperm go to mature?

Answer 5

Epididymis

Question 6

What is the most common type of testicular cancer?

Answer 6

Seminoma (also have Non-seminoma germ cell tumour - NSGCT)

Question 7

What are risk factors for testicular cancer?

Answer 7

Cryptorchidism (undescended testes)
Infertility
Family history (x6 if father or brother)
Scandinavian
Previous testicular cancer on other side

Associations to HIV

Question 8

True or False: most testicular cancer causes pain

Answer 8

False
Only 10-20% cause pain

Question 9

True or false:
The lump in the testicle does not transilluminate

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What investigation is used for testicular cancer?

Answer 10

Doppler USS of testes

Question 11

Where do testicular cancer often metastasis?

Answer 11

‘Golf balls’ in lungs - may have a cough, consider chest XR

Question 12

What are the 3 tumour markers which suggest testicular cancer?

Answer 12

BhCG, AFP and LDH

Question 13

Before treatment, what should be discussed?

Answer 13

Sperm donation before treatment in case of infertility.

Question 14

What is first line treatment for testicular cancer?

Answer 14

Orchidectomy (removing testes)
Radical orchidectomy = removing entire testicle + spermatic cord and surrounding tissue.

Question 15

What are adjuvant treatment options?

Answer 15

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Question 16

What is the most common age group for testicular cancer?

Answer 16

Young men, 20-45 y/o