Testicular cancer is a malignant lesion of the male reproductive glands. There is an enlargement of the scrotum, pain in the scrotum, testicles, their enlargement and swelling. Upon palpation, a noticeable compaction can be detected. The disease can be combated more effectively if testicular cancer is detected at an early stage. To do this, it is important to conduct self-diagnosis and become familiar with the symptoms of this disease.
Main symptoms of testicular cancer
To begin with, let us briefly list the main symptoms of testicular cancer: compression of one or both testicles; feeling of heaviness in the scrotum area; unexpected accumulation of fluid in the scrotum; dull pain in the groin area; a feeling of aching pain in the lower abdomen; pain in one or both testicles; a feeling of unusual discomfort in the testicles; noticeable increase in testicular size; compaction in the testicle.
Let's look at some of the symptoms of testicular cancer in more detail to get a more complete picture of the signs of the disease.
Lump in the testicle
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump in one or both testicles. Often, the area where the tumor can be felt does not cause pain upon palpation. Seals come in different sizes. A small nodule is palpated in them, harder than the main lump, but painless.
The epididymis, which has an oblong shape and is located at the back, on top of the testicle, should not be confused with the seal. Sperm mature and accumulate in it; it has nothing to do with cancer.
As cancer progresses, the testicles become deformed and become noticeably denser. The boundary between the epididymis and the testicles themselves is erased. Fluid begins to accumulate between the membranes of the testicle.
An important point: if a lump is detected, this is not yet an indisputable sign of testicular cancer in men. In most cases, similar symptoms are characteristic of another disease. A similar compaction may appear after an injury. But if a formation is detected, you must consult a doctor immediately. He will prescribe the necessary examination and tests.
Pain and increase in size of the scrotum
The main symptoms of testicular cancer are pain and enlargement of the scrotum.
Pain may appear in the scrotum area; it can be either aching or dull. Characteristic pain in the lower abdomen, which begins with varying strength, may not last long.
Sometimes heaviness appears in the lower abdomen. Pain is observed in the affected testicle. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to uncharacteristic back pain. They can also be a symptom of developing testicular cancer.
When the cancer has already progressed, the scrotum swells and becomes asymmetrically enlarged.
Fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever
Testicular cancer is characterized by signs such as a slight increase in body temperature, weakness, deterioration in emotional state, and depression. The patient's appetite decreases, dizziness may appear, and fatigue increases sharply. A feeling of fatigue appears even after minor exertion. Weight is decreasing. The temperature stays around 37.5, sharp jumps are usually not observed.
Treatment of coxarthrosis
Therapy is prescribed individually and depends on the cause of the leg lesion, the stage of the disease, and the presence or absence of concomitant diseases. First, a complex of conservative therapy is prescribed. If this does not help and the disease progresses, accompanied by severe pain, surgical treatment is recommended.
At any stage of the disease, the main goals of treating arthrosis of the hip joint are:
- pain relief;
- suppression of disease progression;
- restoration of destroyed cartilage.
The complex of conservative therapy includes drug treatment and non-drug methods - diet, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, etc.
Drug treatment (pharmacotherapy) of coxarthrosis
All medications for the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint are selected individually for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of his body.
To eliminate pain the following is prescribed:
- Paracetamol - tablets or rectal suppositories in a dosage of 500 mg are enough to relieve pain and minor inflammation (if any); can be repeated up to 4 times a day; the safest pain reliever;
- drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); Depending on the severity of the pain syndrome, they can be prescribed in the form of intramuscular (IM) injections, rectal suppositories, orally in the form of tablets and externally:
- diclofenac (trade names - Diclofenac, Voltaren) - an effective analgesic but often gives side effects from the stomach;
- ketorolac (Ketorol, Ketanov) is the most powerful pain reliever from the NSAID group, but also has side effects;
- ketoprofen (Ketonal) - less effective than Ketorol and Diclofenac, but there are fewer side effects;
- ibuprofen (Ibuprofen, Nurofen) - more suitable for relieving fever and inflammation, but also effective as a pain reliever; fewer side effects;
- nimesulide (Nimesulide, Nise) - belongs to a new generation of NSAIDs and almost does not irritate the stomach;
- Any ointment (cream, gel) based on NSAIDs is applied externally to the site of pain.
All NSAIDs have side effects, including irritating the gastric mucosa (risk of ulcers) and thinning the blood (risk of bleeding). In addition, they do not treat degenerative processes in the joints, but simply eliminate pain.
To eliminate muscle tension, muscle relaxants are prescribed. Tension of the muscles adjacent to the joint is a protective reaction of the body, but increases pain in the leg. To relax the leg muscles, tolperisone (Mydocalm) or tizanidine (Sirdalud) are prescribed.
To improve blood circulation and nutrition of the joint - pentoxifylline (Pentoxifylline, Trental) - dilates small blood vessels, improves blood circulation.
Drugs for the treatment of coxarthrosis
Chondroprotectors are used to restore cartilage tissue. This group of drugs includes chondroitin sulfate (CS) and glucosamine sulfate (GS):
- Dona (contains GS) is an effective remedy with a relatively short course of treatment;
- Structum (contains cholesterol) - you will have to be treated for at least six months;
- Teraflex (CS + GS) - course of treatment from 3 to 6 months;
- externally: Chondroitin (CS) ointment - 2 times a day for 3 weeks, Teraflex M (CS + GS) cream 2 - 3 times a day for a month; A small amount of ointment is applied to the skin and lightly rubbed.
Biologically active food additives (dietary supplements) of targeted action used in the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint:
- Boswellia extract (Now Foods, USA) is a herbal preparation that protects cartilage from destruction, has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect; course of 1 capsule three times a day for a month;
- Connect Ol (Naturas Pluse, USA) – contains CS, GS, bromelain, calcium, zinc, copper, vitamin C, alfalfa, Chinese sea cucumber; course of 1 – 2 tablets per day for a month;
- Joint Formula (Cevan Nutritionals, USA) – contains GS; course of 1 capsule per day for a month.
Non-drug treatment of coxarthrosis
This is an even more significant section of the conservative treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint than medication. It includes proper nutrition, exercise and massage, and physiotherapy.
Nutrition for coxarthrosis
There is no special diet for degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the leg joints. But many people with sore feet are overweight. Therefore, sweets, baked goods, and sweet carbonated drinks should be excluded from the diet. It is necessary to significantly reduce the consumption of high-calorie foods: fatty meat, fish caviar, sausage. Regular consumption of alcohol is harmful - blood circulation in the joint is impaired.
You can eat lean meat, fish, dairy products, cottage cheese, cheese, buckwheat and oatmeal, first courses with vegetable or non-concentrated meat broth, compotes, fruit drinks.
Exercise therapy for arthrosis of the hip joint
The most important thing is to perform the exercises correctly, gradually increasing the load and not ignoring the appearance of pain (if pain appears, gymnastics should be stopped). Training should take place regularly. The first classes should be conducted under the supervision of a physical therapy instructor. And only after a while you will be able to conduct them yourself at home. Swimming in the pool, smooth gymnastics in the style of Pilates or yoga are very useful.
Exercise therapy for arthrosis of the hip joint strengthens muscles, activates blood circulation and metabolism, and helps restore the function of leg joints. Exercises for arthrosis of the hip joint can be performed from the starting position lying or standing.
Several exercise therapy exercises for the treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint
Physiotherapy for coxarthrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are of auxiliary importance, since the BTS is located deep under the muscle layer. However, sometimes electrophoresis with painkillers is prescribed to eliminate pain, and laser and magnetic therapy is prescribed to improve blood circulation.
In the absence of inflammatory phenomena in the joint, sanatorium-resort treatment with courses of ball and mud therapy is recommended. The resorts of Caucasian Mineralnye Vody are suitable.
How to treat arthrosis of the hip joint using traditional methods
Folk remedies are often included in complex treatment to reduce drug load:
- warming the upper part of the leg with sea salt; sew a long linen bag (must match the length of the upper leg), fill it with hot sea salt; First put a towel on the joint area, and then a bag; when the salt has cooled slightly, remove the towel, hold the sea salt until it has cooled completely; relieves pain, stimulates cartilage restoration, improves joint movements;
- honey massage; Use liquid warm honey as a massage oil: apply to the upper part of the leg and rub into the skin of the leg with light circular movements, patting occasionally, for three minutes; then wrap your leg and hold it there for two hours; perfectly relieves pain and activates blood circulation.
Surgical operations for coxarthrosis
Surgical treatment of arthrosis of the hip joint is recommended only in cases where all possibilities of conservative therapy have been exhausted, and the disease continues to progress and is accompanied by severe pain.
To help the patient, the following types of surgical interventions are used:
- arthrodesis – strong fastening of joint bones in the desired position using various structures; over time, this leads to their complete fusion; the leg fully performs the supporting function, but does not move, therefore arthrodesis is performed only if there are contraindications to other surgical interventions;
- femoral osteotomy – dissection of the femur to create an artificial fracture and subsequent fastening in the desired position using various metal structures; not only the supporting, but also partially motor function of the leg is preserved, pain disappears;
- endoprosthetics is the replacement of a destroyed joint with an artificial one that fully performs all the functions of the removed one.
Symptoms of testicular cancer when it has metastasized
Symptoms of testicular cancer when metastases are already occurring require special attention. Characterized by shortness of breath, cough, jaundice, sharp pain in the right hypochondrium. It all depends on where exactly the cancer metastasizes.
Most often, testicular cancer metastases go to the lungs, bone marrow, bones, skin, and liver.
Testicular cancer causes dyshormonal symptoms. Then frequent erections and voice mutations in boys are observed. Hair on the body and face may begin to grow sharply and prematurely. Adult men in such cases are characterized by decreased libido and impotence. Sometimes the breasts become enlarged.
When testicular cancer metastasizes to the lymph nodes in the mediastinum, this can cause shortness of breath and cough. During the process of intoxication, a sharp loss of appetite and nausea are noted. The legs swell due to blockage of the inferior vena cava and lymphatic ducts. If the ureters are already subjected to compression, renal failure and hydronephrosis may develop.
Intestinal obstruction as a symptom of testicular cancer begins due to compression of the intestine. In the process of squeezing the nerve roots, sharp pain appears in the back.
Survey
A diagnostic search for enlarged inguinal lymph nodes is aimed at identifying other signs of pathology and establishing the root cause of lymphadenopathy. The examination can be carried out by different specialists, depending on the leading clinical syndrome. An isolated change in the lymph nodes is a reason to contact a hematologist. The most valuable in diagnostic terms are the following instrumental and laboratory methods:
- Ultrasonography
. Ultrasound of lymph nodes is prescribed to determine the size of lymphoid formations and visualize their morphological structure. Sonography helps differentiate lymphadenopathy from cysts, hidradenitis and benign tumors. To clarify the diagnosis, ultrasound of the pelvic organs is often used. - Study of biopsy
. A biopsy of an enlarged lymph node is performed to study its cytological composition. A large number of lymphocytes indicates reactive inflammation of the lymphoid tissue. The presence of atypical cells indicates metastases of malignant tumors or cancer of the blood system. - Blood test
. A general blood test for inguinal lymphadenopathy is necessary to quickly detect signs of an inflammatory process. Severe pancytopenia or a significant change in the ratio of individual cell populations is typical for developing hemoblastosis. Additionally, biochemical analysis is carried out. - Serological reactions
. Lymphoid hyperplasia can be caused by various infectious diseases of the genitourinary tract. Therefore, to exclude them, ELISA and RSK are performed, which determine specific antibodies against the most common pathogens. In some cases, PCR diagnostics are performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Ultrasound examination of inguinal lymph nodes
