On 29/11, doctor Nguyen Tran Thanh, deputy head of the urology and andrology surgery department at 19-8 Hospital, diagnosed a patient with late-stage testicular cancer. The tumor measured up to 15 cm. Doctors surgically removed the tumor, but the prognosis significantly impacts the patient's quality of life.

"Had the patient sought medical attention earlier, when the tumor was small and localized without metastasis, a radical cancer surgery would have offered a better prognosis", the doctor stated.

Doctors perform surgery on the patient. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Testicular cancer is an uncommon but serious condition, occurring when healthy cells in the testicles become abnormal. Higher risk groups include men aged 15-35 and those with a history of genital abnormalities such as an undescended testicle. Other risk factors include a family history of testicular cancer, tobacco and alcohol use, stimulant abuse, and unsafe sexual practices that cause chronic urinary tract infections and orchitis.

The disease has a high chance of successful treatment if detected early. At stage one, the 5-year survival rate for patients is 98%; at stage two, it is 95%, but by stage three, it drops to 6%. Patients with lymph node metastasis face a worse prognosis, and the more lymph nodes affected, the poorer the outcome.

Doctors advise men experiencing testicular abnormalities, such as: pain, tenderness, or a palpable lump, to seek early medical examination for timely diagnosis and treatment. This prevents severe long-term complications. Parents should also pay closer attention to their children's health, particularly reproductive health, as young people from puberty to adulthood often hesitate to share such concerns.

Thuy Quynh