Testicular Mesothelioma
Diagnosing Testicular Mesothelioma in Canada
Testicular mesothelioma is the most mysterious and rare form of mesothelioma. There have been only a little over 100 reported cases in men worldwide with this type of cancer. Testicular mesothelioma is found in the membrane of the testes’ lining. Though testicular mesothelioma is presumably related to the ingestion of asbestos, there is no known reason why it develops in the testes. Many times, patients develop a tumor on the side of their testicles. This lump is often confused with a hernia, leading to a misdiagnosis. If found in the early stages, testicular mesothelioma is the easiest form of mesothelioma to treat. Mesothelioma Care provides testicular mesothelioma patients in Canada guidance to determine the proper treatment.
Symptoms of Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma is such rare cancer that it is often misdiagnosed. It’s considered an aggressive type of cancer, so patients should receive treatment as soon as possible. Common symptoms include:
- Fluid buildup
- Swelling of one or both testicles
- Pain in the groin
- Prolonged hydrocele
Some patients exhibit no symptoms and are only diagnosed following a routine physical exam. There have been documented cases of testicular mesothelioma with benign tumors in the tunica vaginalis. It’s critical to receive regular exams and consult a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Without treatment following a diagnosis of a malignant case, patients live about two years on average.
Treatment for Testicular Mesothelioma
The most common and effective treatment for testicular mesothelioma is the surgical removal of the tumor. Surgery usually removes all of the affected testicle and the spermatic cord. The surgeon will also remove lymph nodes if the cancer has spread. Surgery combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation is usual to kill any remaining cancer cells. In rare cases, testicular mesothelioma may be linked to peritoneal mesothelioma metastasis. If this is the case, doctors will treat both types of mesothelioma. Testicular mesothelioma often returns in a few years, even with treatment. Routine scans will help doctors find any new growths over time.