Testicular Cancer -- the Basics
Testicular Cancer -- the Basics
Testicular cancer is cancer in a man's testicle. The two testicles, or testes, are glands that produce male hormones and sperm. They hang beneath and behind a man's penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The spermatic cord, composed of the sperm duct, nerves, and blood vessels, connects each testicle to the body.
Testicular cancer may spread slowly or quickly. Testicular cancer usually spreads to nearby lymph nodes, the lungs, the liver, bones, and possibly the brain.
Testicular cancer is among the most treatable of cancers, even in an advanced stage, and it is rarely fatal. Over 90% of patients are diagnosed with small, localized cancers that are very treatable. Improved detection and treatment techniques have raised the overall five-year survival rate above 95% for most of these cancers. Even if the cancer has spread to nearby organs, patients have an excellent chance of long-term survival.
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Understanding Testicular Cancer -- the Basics
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What Is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is cancer in a man's testicle. The two testicles, or testes, are glands that produce male hormones and sperm. They hang beneath and behind a man's penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The spermatic cord, composed of the sperm duct, nerves, and blood vessels, connects each testicle to the body.
Testicular cancer may spread slowly or quickly. Testicular cancer usually spreads to nearby lymph nodes, the lungs, the liver, bones, and possibly the brain.
Testicular cancer is among the most treatable of cancers, even in an advanced stage, and it is rarely fatal. Over 90% of patients are diagnosed with small, localized cancers that are very treatable. Improved detection and treatment techniques have raised the overall five-year survival rate above 95% for most of these cancers. Even if the cancer has spread to nearby organs, patients have an excellent chance of long-term survival.
What Is Your Cancer Risk? Take the WebMD Cancer Health Check
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