Did you know that a positive pregnancy test result for males may actually be a sign of testicular cancer? In this post, we will be diving into the factors linking a positive pregnancy test to testicular cancer, how testicular cancer is diagnosed and treated, as well as ways to prevent it.
Why Can a Man Get a Positive Pregnancy Test Result?
A pregnancy test looks for the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in a person’s urine. Ordinarily, hCG is produced by the female placenta following implantation. However, in rare cases, men with testicular cancer can also produce hCG. Specifically, within non-seminomers germ cell tumors, there is a type of tumor called Chorocarcinoma. Chorocarcinoma cells contain synchotrophoblast, which produces hCG, and this leads to a positive result on a pregnancy test.
How Is Testicular Cancer Diagnosed?
Testicular cancer can be diagnosed through various means, including physical examination, blood tests, and imaging exams. One of the most common ways to diagnose testicular cancer is by feeling for a lump or mass in either testicle during a physical exam. Testicular cancer is usually painless, and the lump is often the only sign that there is an issue. An ultrasound may also be performed to confirm the presence of a mass and determine its characteristics, such as size and location. Blood tests may be performed to measure the levels of tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and hCG. Higher than normal levels of these markers can indicate the presence of testicular cancer.
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Different Types of Testicular Cancer
There are two major types of testicular cancers: Seminomas and Nonseminoma germ cell tumors. Seminomas typically grow slowly, are more sensitive to radiation, and are less likely to spread beyond the testicle. Nonseminoma germ cell tumors, on the other hand, tend to grow more quickly and are less sensitive to radiation. Within Nonseminomas, there are several types of tumors, including Chorocarcinoma, Embryonal carcinoma, Teratoma, and Yolk sac tumor. As previously mentioned, Chorocarcinoma tumors are more likely to produce hCG, leading to a positive pregnancy test result in men.
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Treating Testicular Cancer
Treatment for testicular cancer depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, stage, and overall health of the patient. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. In most cases, the testicle may need to be surgically removed in a procedure called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. This is the most effective way of removing the cancer completely. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary. Working with a doctor who specializes in treating testicular cancer is crucial in determining the right treatment plan.
Preventing Testicular Cancer
While testicular cancer is not entirely preventable, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing it. One way is by performing monthly self-exams of your testicles. This should be done in the shower and involves holding the testicle and palpating all around, feeling the epididymis, and comparing to the other side. Any abnormalities or lumps should be checked out by a doctor. It is also recommended for men between the ages of 20-40 years to do monthly self-exams. It is also useful to avoid exposure to radiation and toxins wherever possible.
