According to studies, testicular cancer affects one out of every 250 males at some point in their lives. It’s a relatively rare cancer that tends to strike at a younger age, unlike most malignancies. The average age at which a person is diagnosed is 33. The good news is that the cure rate is relatively high, especially when detected early.

In this article, Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an experienced cancer specialist in Bangalore, India, talks about testicular cancer in young adults and its treatment options.  

He is the Founder and Chief of Surgical Oncology at MACS Clinic, Bangalore, and Director of Surgical Oncology, Professor and HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology at Fortis Cancer Institute, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.

Testicular cancer is the most prevalent type of solid tumor in teenage and adult men between the ages of 13 and 40; however, it can strike at any age from childhood to adulthood. The good news is that majority of testicular malignancies can be cured.

The main risk factor is present from birth. Boys born with an undescended testicle are more likely to develop testicular cancer later in life.

“Even if an undescended testicle has been surgically addressed, the risk of developing testicular growths persists, and they should be regularly monitored,” Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologist in India, explains. “Men with a family history of the disease are likewise at a higher risk.”

Men in their early 20s and early 40s are more likely to develop testicular cancer. Dr. Sandeep Nayak adds that when men are younger, their testes produce more testosterone and sperm, increasing their risk of cancer. Caucasian males may also be at a higher risk than men of other races. 

A bump or lump on the testicle is generally the first sign of testicular cancer. The growth is normally painless, but it expands rapidly over a few weeks. It frequently results in a trip to the doctor.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an expert cancer specialist in Bangalore, states, “If a patient comes to us with an abnormal growth on their testicle, we’ll request an ultrasound to investigate it further.” “If that raises a suspicion of cancer, we run blood tests to look for tumor markers, which are cancer indications.”

When testicular cancer metastasis, it typically affects the liver, lymph nodes, and lungs. Imaging tests, such as a CT scan to look for enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen and a scan or X-ray of the chest to look at the lungs, are other diagnostic procedures that the patient may have to undergo.

Removing the diseased testicle is the most common treatment for testicular cancer. According to Dr. Sandeep Nayak, the testicle is removed through a groin incision and submitted to a pathologist to evaluate whether additional treatment is required.

Most men heal within a week of surgery and are advised to avoid straining or lifting heavy things for up to six weeks.

Chemotherapy is usually indicated if the pathologist determines that further treatment is required owing to concerns about the cancer spreading.

The sooner the testicular cancer is diagnosed, like with most malignancies, the better the prognosis. The overall cure rate is high: more than 90% of males are cured.

Men who wish to start a family are sometimes anxious about how testicular cancer therapy would impact their fertility. According to Dr. Sandeep Nayak, the removal of one testicle should not harm fertility, although chemotherapy is a concern.

“You should be able to father children with a completely healthy testicle on the other side,” explains one of the best oncologist in Bangalore, “but additional treatment, such as chemotherapy, can be hazardous to your sperm.” “We talk to patients about sperm banking in advance in case they desire to have children in the future.” Further, he also offers testis-sparing surgery to suitable patients.

You must include a testicular exam in your annual health check-up, but you should contact your doctor immediately if you discover a lump between tests. Periodic self-examinations may be advised, particularly for men at a higher risk due to an undescended testicle.

“It’s a simple thing to detect if you check yourself on a regular basis, and it’s treatable cancer,” adds Dr. Sandeep Nayak. “So, even if you are someone who suffers from this, there’s a lot of hope.”

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Testicular cancer affects the testes. While it only accounts for 1% of all malignancies, it is the most common among men aged 20 to 34. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Consultant Surgical oncologist, MACS Clinic, Jayanagar, Bangalore & Fortis Cancer Institute, Bangalore is a prominent oncologist in Bangalore, India and he says, “The risk is great, but the chance of survival is much higher. Over 90% of testicular cancer patients can be treated successfully.”

He further states, “Self-examination is very crucial in detecting testicular cancer early on. The most appropriate time is after your bath when you are relaxed. Gently feel the testes and adjacent structures with your finger and thumb, checking for any lumps.”

The most common symptom is a lump that develops on one of the testicles. Although the lump is generally painless, some persons experience pain or discomfort from the afflicted testis.

The majority of scrotal swellings and bumps are not cancerous. There are a number of different reasons for this. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an experienced cancer specialist in Bangalore, explains, “If you see swelling or lump in one of your testicles, you should always consult a doctor. You should get it checked out right away.”

He has treated countless patients in his career and has pioneered several innovative surgical techniques that give the patients a better chance of survival and leading a quality life.

Now let us understand the symptoms you need to look out for to detect cancer early on:

• Testicular enlargement
• Testicular discomfort or pain
• An ache in the back or lower abdominal 
• Breast tissue enlargement

If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.

Who are at risk of testicular cancer?

The following factors can raise your chances of developing testicular cancer:

• Having a history of the disease in one’s family
• Abnormal testicular development 
• Having cryptorchidism (undescended testicle).

How is testicular cancer diagnosed?

Your doctor may use the following tests to diagnose testicular cancer:

• A physical examination that can identify any abnormalities in the testicles, such as tumors or swelling
• Tumor marker blood tests can reveal high levels of chemicals linked to testicular cancer, such as alpha-fetoprotein or beta-human chorionic gonadotropin.
• An ultrasound to evaluate the testicles’ internal structure

If your doctor detects cancer, your testicle may need to be removed entirely in order to collect a tissue sample. They cannot do it while your testicle is still in the scrotum because it risks spreading cancer through the scrotum.

They will perform abdominal, and pelvic CT scans following the diagnosis to detect if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It’s called staging.

Testicular cancer treatment

There are basically three categories of treatment for testicular cancer. Your doctor may treat you with one or more alternatives depending on the stage of your cancer. 

Surgery

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading surgical oncologist in India, says, “Surgery is the first line of treatment for testicular cancer.” Orchiectomy, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, or testis-sparing surgery (TSS) are surgical alternatives for treating it. These procedures can be done laparoscopically or robotically.

Radiation

High-energy rays are used in radiation therapy to eliminate cancer cells. The doctor can either give it internally or externally.

Dr Nisha Vishnu, Consultant Radiation oncologist, MACS Clinic, Jayanagar, Bangalore & Fortis Cancer Institute, Bangalore says, “External radiation is delivered by directing the radiation beam toward the tumor tissues from the outside. This method is frequently effective in the treatment of seminomas.”

Chemotherapy 

Dr Suresh Babu, Consultant Medical oncologist, MACS Clinic, Jayanagar, Bangalore & Fortis Cancer Institute, Bangalore says, “Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It’s a systemic treatment that can eliminate cancer cells spread throughout your body. Chemotherapy is very useful in testicular cancer and can cure many of them.” 

A stem cell transplant may follow high-dose chemotherapy in severely advanced cases of testicular cancer.

Outlook

Testicular cancer treatment is often successful. You can expect to be cured if your testicular cancer is detected and treated early. Fortunately, the majority of testicular malignancies are caught early on.

There is still a good chance of a cure even if cancer has spread to other places of the body. It is because testicular cancer cells generally respond effectively to chemotherapy.

Even though we all suffer stomach aches now and then, pain isn’t usually an early sign of stomach cancer. So, instead, what should you be on the alert for? Here’s what you need to know about stomach cancer.

Stomach cancer is medically known as gastric cancer. Cancer can create a tumor or ulcer within the stomach or spread widely throughout the entire wall. 

Stomach cancer is most common in adults between the ages of 50 and 70. Men are more likely to have it. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all options for treating gastrointestinal malignancies.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a renowned surgical oncologist in India, provides advanced and effective stomach cancer treatment says  “The type and stage of cancer and the patient’s age, overall health, and preferences influence gastrointestinal (GI) cancer treatment options.”

Stomach cancer can be successfully treated in its early stages. Hence, the early warning signs of stomach cancer should not be overlooked.

Early indications of stomach cancer are often so common that they go unnoticed.

Stomach cancer is one of those problematic diagnoses where most people may have experienced symptoms in the past. Even so, they are typically subtle symptoms that can be mistaken for a variety of other benign gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.

• Bloating.
• Heartburn.
• Nausea.
• Feeling of discomfort after eating food

Because these symptoms are commonly ignored as normal GI concerns — which are for most individuals — stomach cancer is generally discovered in advanced stages when it is ultimately identified.

According to Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an experienced cancer specialist in Bangalore, India, potential warning signs of stomach cancer include:

1. You lose weight abruptly, and your appetite decreases.

People stop feeling hungry and, as a result, begin to lose weight without even trying. That is most likely the most alarming symptom.

2. You are worn out.

This could result from a slow blood loss, indicating malignancy, combined with a sudden weight loss. Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, can result from blood loss, which is most likely the cause of your fatigue.

3. Your feces or vomit contains blood. 

This is a rare occurrence, but it can occur if you lose a lot of blood.

4. Even if you have only eaten a small bit, you feel full.

5. You have noticed a shift in your bowel movements. 

Perhaps you have been suffering persistent bouts of diarrhea or constipation.

6. Symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort that do not go away.

For example, you have had nausea or abdominal discomfort for more than a couple of days.

7. You are having GI symptoms you have never had before.

For example, reflux – a condition in which the contents of your stomach go up into your oesophagus. These are all indicators that you should see your primary care physician to evaluate if you require additional testing.

The majority of the time, these symptoms are caused by something else, but it’s best to get them checked out so you can seek treatment as soon as possible if you do.

Now, let’s know,

Apart from H. pylori, several other factors can raise your risk of stomach cancer, including:

• Smoking.
• Being a man.
• Age is a factor (your risk increases as you get older).
• Obesity.
• Past surgery for stomach ulcers.
• Certain genetic conditions.
• A diet containing smoked foods, salted seafood, and red meats.
• Family history.

We consume a lot of processed and unhealthy food, which contributes to our mild symptoms. We need to return to a more natural, plant-based diet. 

There’s no denying that the evidence supports a diet high in fresh vegetables, low in fruit, and low in meat, mainly processed meat. 

Avoiding these toxic foods lowers a person’s risk of developing cancer and the stomach symptoms that come with consuming them.

Don’t be alarmed if your gastrointestinal system appears to be acting strangely.

Most of the time, GI symptoms are caused by benign reasons rather than stomach cancer. Our digestive processes can be highly temperamental at times.

Head and neck cancer is challenging to treat, but surgeons now have more effective treatment options because of recent advances in medical technology. Previously, surgeons could only remove certain head and neck tumors by cutting through the neck or opening the jaw which had a lot of side effects. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading surgical oncologist in India, is an expert in this procedure and says “These highly morbid operations reported poor functional outcomes and an increased risk of complications than the technologically advanced, transoral robotic surgery (TORS).”

He specializes in minimally invasive surgeries, including laparoscopic and robotics. 

He is world-renowned for his advanced surgical skills and caters to patients from all over the globe. He is the Founder and Chief of Surgical Oncology at MACS Clinic, Director of Surgical Oncology, and Professor and HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.

Transoral robotic surgery is a sophisticated, minimally invasive procedure that involves passing a number of small robotic instruments through the mouth to reach and resect a tumor. It’s most typically used to treat throat malignancies, especially tonsil and back of the tongue tumors.

TORS is a suitable treatment option for head and neck malignancies since it is less invasive and can reduce the need for subsequent treatments. Patients who choose TORS frequently require less radiation, and some can even avoid radiation and chemotherapy entirely.

However, as efficient as TORS is, you must know about this procedure to be prepared for the best potential outcome.

TORS is used to treat a variety of head and neck tumors, including:

• Cancer of the larynx (voice box)
• Hypopharyngeal cancer (throat cancer that affects the lower section of the throat)
• Oropharyngeal cancer (cancer that affects the base of the tongue, back of the throat, or tonsil)

TORS is also used to treat non-cancerous disorders such as:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Lingual tonsillitis

Further, TORS can be performed by a surgeon who has completed robotic-assisted surgery training and has performed many surgeries to become an expert in it.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a surgical oncologist in India, runs a training program for Fellowship in Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgical Oncology.

Complications are less likely with efficient operations. TORS enables this by providing: 

Better visualization: The camera delivers magnified, high-definition pictures of the operating area, allowing better visualization. It also offers 3D capabilities of the diseased area.

Higher precision: The motions of the robotic arm are more precise than those of a human hand. The arms revolve in ways that are impossible to do otherwise in the tiny regions of your mouth.

Quicker procedure: An expert surgeon can perform your surgery fast and efficiently. The surrounding tissues are less traumatized when the surgical region is accessed through the mouth.

The following are some of the advantages:

• Reducing the likelihood of a tracheostomy, wherein the surgeon inserts a breathing tube through an incision.
• Less pain
• Lesser loss of blood
• Minimal chances of long-term speech or swallowing difficulties
• Faster return to everyday activities
• Hospital stays are shorter

Transoral robotic surgery has some drawbacks, including:

• Approved for limited conditions
• Not suitable for all patients

If you have any of the following, you may not be eligible for TORS:

• Advanced cancer
• Airway difficulties
• Limited access due to a small mouth or other associated factors

You will be given at-home care instructions that are tailored to your specific need. They generally include:

• Take it easy for a few weeks
• Take medication as prescribed by your surgeon
• Eat food that digests easily
• Look out for signs of infection or bleeding

You will have to visit your surgeon for follow-ups to monitor your recovery. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, contact your surgeon ASAP:

• Bleeding
• Fever
• Abnormal swelling
• Dehydration
• Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
• Vomiting and nausea

TORS is a remarkable advancement for head and neck cancer patients, as it has changed how these cancers are treated. Patients recover faster and more completely since it is minimally invasive and can eliminate the need for additional therapy.

To find out if you are eligible for TORS, you can book an appointment with experts who will assess your reports. You could do this at MACS Clinics, Jayanagar, Bangalore.

Many women are relieved when their breast cancer treatment is over. Even after your breast cancer treatment is finished, you must follow post-surgery instructions properly. The need for post-operative care is critical for a speedy recovery.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologist in Bangalore, India, assists his patients in recovering quickly and safely following breast cancer surgery. Being a proficient surgical oncologist in Bangalore, India, he follows evidence-based standards to enhance his patient’s rehabilitation process while reducing pain and complications.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak knows the significance of post-operative care for a complete and timely recovery. Hence, he always advises his patients to follow the aftercare instructions strictly.

This article discusses about post-operative breast cancer surgery care. To learn more, keep scrolling down.

Maintain the cleanliness of the wound. There is no need to patch the wound if it is healthy. There is no need of any creams or powders. We prefer open dressing for all our wounds.

After two weeks, you can take a full-body bath after second or third day of surgery in most of the cases. Until then, sponge the upper part of your body and pat yourself dry. Water does not enter the wound. There is nothing to be worried. 

The nurse may remove the dressing on the first post-operative day and leave the wound open. The wound is usually closed with staples and does not require any special care except drying after bath.

The drain can be kept in the bag with the post-operative package. You must empty it at a set time each day and measure it with the measuring cylinder included with the kit. You don’t need to clean the drain box every time. You can learn how to handle it from the expert nurse given to you.

Yes, you can, with a bit of help. Washing hair does not hamper the recovery. 

After axillary surgery, especially axillary dissection, tingling, and numbness in the inner area of the upper arm are typical. Even a light touch might cause discomfort. This is far less common after a sentinel lymph node biopsy. 

The cause for this is that a nerve that goes through your armpit and into your arm is pulled or cut during surgery. With activity and time, these peculiar sensations lessen.

Yes, as long as you don’t lean against the drain tubes or rest your head against the arm.

Yes, you can handle many household tasks without getting tired. This could include dusting, setting the table, and keeping an eye on the kitchen. In 2-3 weeks, you can gradually resume your routine.

After the drain removal, you can drive, and you are free to move around.

You should focus on eating healthy, nutritional foods with your family at the dinner table. A dietician can recommend a diet plan if you have diabetes or are fat.

You should begin exercising as soon as possible after surgery and do so more regularly initially, such as every hour for 3-5 minutes. Once you have achieved a complete range of motion, you can lower the frequency to 4-5 times per day.

Based on your histology report, further therapy will be determined after 7-10 days of surgery.

There may be discomfort, swelling, or fever at the surgical site, as well as leakage from the drain’s side or a faulty drain. All of these things must be addressed. 

5-7 days after surgery, you may visit your surgical oncologist in MACS clinic, Bangalore, India, to examine the wound and drain. Once the output has reached 30-40ml over 24 hours, the drain will be removed. This often takes ten days to two weeks. Two weeks after surgery, the stitches/staples will be removed.

Chemotherapy usually starts in the third week following surgery. Before starting chemotherapy, the wound should be completely healed. Chemotherapy should be started within 3-6 weeks of surgery.

Chemotherapy is designed to target cells that are rapidly dividing. The cells lining the intestine, hair follicles, and bone marrow are fast-dividing while cancer cells rapidly divide. This is also why, during chemotherapy, one feels queasy, loses hair, and becomes more prone to infections. All of this contributes to exhaustion.

The good news is that effective drugs combat various chemotherapy side effects. Following chemotherapy, these side effects persist for about a week, following which the recovery process begins. They will be thoroughly explained to you by your oncologist in Bangalore, India.

Radiation therapy is a treatment that involves delivering high-energy X-rays to the breast following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or the chest wall after breast removal (mastectomy). 

After chemotherapy, radiation is usually administered. The conventional treatment lasts 5-7 weeks in suitable patients, but newer approaches can provide it in as little as three weeks. 

In some selected cases we can complete radiotherapy using intrabeam IORT machine in a single sitting.

 The specifics of your therapy will be discussed with you by your oncologist in Bangalore, India.

After you have finished your treatment, you will be contacted for a follow-up appointment. For the first two years, you will be examined for symptoms and seen clinically every three months, then six times a year for the next three years, and then once a year for the next five years. Mammography will be done once a year, and an ultrasound and chest X-ray will be done every six months.

For healing completely and receiving other therapies after breast cancer surgery, you should follow the mentioned post-operative care properly.

If you or your loved ones are diagnosed with breast cancer, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sandeep Nayak, our cancer specialist in Bangalore, India, for a thorough diagnosis and treatment or a second opinion.