Men and Other forms of Cancer
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Most cases of testicular cancer can be found at an early stage. The first sign of testicular cancer is usually a painless lump or slight enlargement and a change in the consistency of the testicle. Some types of testicular cancers have no symptoms until the advanced stage. Because of the lack of symptoms and pain in the early stage, men often do not go to a doctor for several months after discovering a slightly enlarged testicle.
The examination of a man's testicles is a valuable part of a general physical examination for testicular cancer detection by a physician. The Testicular Self-Exam (TSE) is a self-exam that men can use to detect lumps and changes in the testicles on his own. Testicular cancer is a highly treatable form of cancer. The three main methods of treatment are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Although the cure rate for all types of testicular cancer is very high the man's fertility is often a major concern.
Cancer of the penis affects only 1 out of every 100,000 men and accounts for less than 1% of cancers in men in the United States. Many cases of penile cancer can be detected early on. Men should be alert to any unusual growths on or other abnormalities of the penis. If such changes occur, men should promptly consult a physician. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Most early-stage penile cancers can be completely cured by fairly minor surgery: with little or no damage to the penis.