Men's Health....TESTICULAR TUMORS.

It has been a while since the last posting...but we'll make up for it in the months ahead.

Today's topic is a suggestion of a students rotating through the ED. She has lamented, that on prepation for the boards, the subject of men's health specifically, is lacking. With this in mind we'll cover some important disorders...with due credit to Shara.


TESTICULAR CANCERS:


Q: What is the MOST COMMON cell type...causing testicular cancer?


A: GERM CELL tumors cause approximately 95%.



Q: What classification are they divided into?


A: SEMINOMAS....account for about 60% and NON-SEMINOMAS...@ 40%.





Q: What cell type causes the remaining 5% of testicular cancer?


A: STROMAL CELL tumors....namely LEYDIG CELL CA or SERTOLI CELL CA.



Q: How to definitely DIAGNOSE testicular cancer?


A: NEVER BIOSPY!!!!....an INGUINAL ORCHIECTOMY is the procedure of choice.



Q: What are the RISK FACTORS for development of testicular cancer?


A: 1. Undescended Testicle (Abdominal Cryptorchidism).
2. Prior History of Testicular Cancer
3. Kleinfelter's Syndrome
4. Positive Family History
5. Testicular Feminization Syndromes



Q: What are the GENERAL CURE RATES?


A: They are HIGHLY CURABLE!!!

NON-METASTATIC DISEASE....100% cure rate.
METASTATIC DISEASE................70% cure rate.



Q: What are the common AGE GROUPS affected by testicular cancer?



A: It tends to be BIMODAL. Most common in young men, ages 15-35....and another peak
occuring in at age > 60.




Q: What is the HALF LIFE of serum B-HCG and AFP.. and why are they important?


A: The half life of B-HCG is ONE DAY.......and that of AFP is ONE WEEK!

They are important post surgically....because if either one is elevated beyond the
expected half life.....RESIDUAL DISEASE EXISTS.




We'll continue with more of Men's Health soon....