Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Testicular cancer is highly treatable

Knowing how to check for testicular cancer will not only allow you to get treated as soon as possible but will also remove your fear and doubt about this disease and feel empowered that you are in control of your own healthcare. In this article, as a survivor of testicular cancer, I'll show you how to check for the signs of TC.

Self Examination

I'll touch on this briefly here but I strongly advise you to find out how to do a full testicular cancer self examination. Basically, you need to check your balls every month for any changes. In particular, if there are any lumps, swellings or hardening then go see your doctor. Although TC is normally painless, there can sometimes be pain too.

Don't rely on a girlfriend to feel your testicles during foreplay and to tell you if there is anything wrong. This is something that you need to do for yourself.

Ultrasound & Blood Tests

If you detect any changes in your testes then go see your doctor. He will also examine your testes. He will also almost certainly get you sent for an ultrasound. This is the same test that is used to inspect the foetus for abnormalities. It is safe and non-invasive.

The ultrasound is the definitive method used to diagnose testicular cancer. You may also be asked to get your blood tested for tumor markers. Tumor markers can confirm cancer but they cannot rule it out. Therefore, the ultrasound is always needed if blood is tested.

Highly Treatable

The good news is that the last 20 years have seen amazing developments in the treatment of testicular cancer. It is know considered the "model" cancer in terms of how treatable it is.

Even if it has spread it is still often highly treatable. Survival rates are usually well above 90%.

But cancer is cancer - so if you think you have found something suspect or changed in your testis and are in doubt - get it checked out.

Worried about testicular cancer? Get the info you need at Testicular Cancer Library.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Wensley

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