Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma cancer. Surrounding the testes in men, testicular mesothelioma is found in the serous membrane, or “tunica vaginalis,”. Typically, there will be swelling at the back of the testicle (epididymitis), which can cause pressure and scrotal discomfort (due to a lump in the scrotum).
Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
While it is considered highly aggressive and is known to metastasize rather quickly, testicular mesothelioma accounts for only 1% of 3,000 diagnosed mesothelioma cases in the United States each year. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by the exposure to asbestos. Once the initial exposure to asbestos occurs, mesothelioma can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to develop as the asbestos fibers build up, creating scar tissue, and eventually, mesothelioma cancer.
While testicular mesothelioma is rare, symptoms include:
- Appearance of a lump in the scrotum
- Swelling at the back of the testicles
- Scrotal discomfort
If you are concerned about mesothelioma, your doctor can evaluate any symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action for your treatment, if necessary.
Testicular Mesothelioma Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Diagnosing testicular mesothelioma can be very difficult, as symptoms are consistent with other illnesses typically considered to be much less severe. The prognosis for those diagnosed with testicular mesothelioma is often more positive than other types of mesothelioma. Men diagnosed with testicular mesothelioma, on average, experience a median survival expectancy of between 20 and 23 months. Early diagnosis is crucial in the treatment of mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing symptoms, alert your doctor immediately.
There are a range of possible treatments for mesothelioma victims, with the most popular being surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. In cases where surgery is used to rid the patient of the tumor, partial or entire removal of the testicle(s) is most commonly employed. After surgery, a combination of radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments may be administered.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing scrotal symptoms mentioned above, you may want to discuss with your doctor, be evaluated, and then determine the appropriate course of action for your treatment, if necessary.
