TESTICULAR CANCER

Testicular cancer. The development of malignant (cancer) cells in the tissues of one or, less frequently, both testicles results in testicular cancer. Sperm and the hormone testosterone are produced by the two walnut-shaped sex glands called testicles. They reside in the scrotum, a skin sac located beneath your penis. Testicle cancer, like all cancers, is a dangerous disease. Testicular cancer is fortunately very curable and treatable.

TESTICULAR CANCER

With the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer, it is the second most prevalent cancer in young men (ages 20 to 39), despite not being a common cancer overall. Testicular germ cell tumors are the most prevalent type of malignancy. The two primary categories are seminoma and non-seminoma.

Types

People in their 40s or 50s are most commonly affected by seminoma, a slow-growing malignancy.
A non-seminoma is a type of cancer that grows faster than a seminoma. It primarily impacts those in their late teens, twenties, and early thirties. Non-seminoma tumors can be divided into four categories. Each has a name that corresponds to the kind of germ cell that forms the tumor. Embryonic carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma are examples of non-seminoma cancers.
Seminoma and non-seminoma cells are both present in certain testicular cancer tumors.

Signs

A painless lump in your testicle is the most typical indication of testicular cancer. Other signs and symptoms include:
scrotal swelling or an unexpected accumulation of fluid.
an enlargement or lump in one or both testicles.
a sensation that your scrotum is heavy.
dull pain in your lower abdomen or groin.
discomfort or pain in a testicle or scrotum.

Causes

Scientists don’t know why cells act this way, but they do know that the cells that grow into testicular cancer are typically germ cells. Testicular cancer develops when cells multiply more quickly than usual, eventually producing a lump or tumor.

Stages

Stage 0: Although abnormal cells have grown, they are still inside the testicles, which are where sperm cells begin to form. Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) is another name for stage 0.
Stage I: The cancer is limited to the testicle, maybe encompassing adjacent lymphatic or blood arteries. There may or may not be increased tumor markers.
Stage II: The cancer has only reached the retroperitoneum, or back of the belly, in terms of lymph nodes. You are in stage III instead of stage II if you have lymph node cancer and moderately or significantly increased tumor markers.
Stage III: The cancer has progressed to an organ or lymph nodes outside of the abdomen.

Treatment

29 year old male patient’s testicle being removed during an inguinal orchidectomy to treat testicular cancer. The testicle is being removed through an incision in the groin. The patient has a seminoma, a malignant (cancerous) germ cell tumour that originates in the seminiferous tubules. It is the most common form of testicular cancer and occurs most often in men between the age of 30 to 45 years. It usually presents as a firm painless lump on a testicle. In 90 per cent of cases surgical removal of the testicle leads to a cure.

Radiation treatment
High-dose X-rays are used in radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells. After surgery, radiation therapy may be performed to keep the tumor from coming back. Radiation is often only used to treat seminomas.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells by using medications including bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. Both seminoma and non-seminoma patients now have higher survival rates because to chemotherapy. Instead of surgery, you can be given chemotherapy, depending on the type of cancer you have.

Summary

If one or both of your testicles alter, don’t put off making an appointment with your provider. Exams that require a close examination of the genitalia are generally avoided or postponed by most persons. However, in the case of cancer, timing is crucial. Early treatment can cure testicular cancer, depending on the type of cancer.

TYPES OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Types of sickle cell disease. Your red blood cells’ hemoglobin is impacted by sickle cell disease. Red blood cells with a sickle shape are the result of aberrant hemoglobin clumping together due to a genetic abnormality. Anemia, discomfort, infections, and other consequences can result from these blood flow obstructions.

TYPES OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Although, those of African or Caribbean ancestry are more likely to have sickle cell disease. The abnormally shaped red blood cells produced by sickle cell disease patients can be problematic because they can obstruct blood vessels and do not last as long as healthy blood cells.

Types

A severe variant of SCD, HbSS affects 65% of patients. Individuals with this kind received one hemoglobin S-encoding gene from each father. You have chronic anemia because most or all of your hemoglobin is abnormal.

HbSC, or hemoglobin SC
About 25% of patients with the illness have mild to moderate HbSC. The hemoglobin S gene was inherited from one parent by those who had this type. Their other parent gave them hemoglobin C, another aberrant form.

Hemoglobin beta thalassemia (HbS)
The hemoglobin S gene was inherited from one parent by those who had this type. Their other parent passed on an aberrant form known as beta thalassemia to them.

Causes

Sickle cell disease is brought on by a genetic mutation in the HBB gene. A portion of hemoglobin is produced by the HBB gene. Two mutant HBB genes, one from each parent, are responsible for aberrant hemoglobin in people with sickle cell disease. The inheritance pattern for SCD is autosomal recessive. This indicates that although each parent of a kid with sickle cell disease contains one copy of the defective gene, they usually do not exhibit any symptoms of the illness.

Signs

When a child is between five and six months old, symptoms of sickle cell disease start to appear. SCD symptoms and indicators differ from person to person. While some people experience mild symptoms, others experience more severe complications. Symptoms of sickle cell disease include:
frequent flare-ups of pain.
Anemia, which results in weakness, paleness, and exhaustion.
Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
painful edema in their feet and hands.

Treatment

Sickle cell disease can be cured by a bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant. A healthy, genetically compatible donor, like a sibling, is needed for the transplant. You obtain healthy marrow from the donor during this surgery. Only roughly 18% of SCD patients, however, have a compatible donor. A transplant is not without its risks and problems, though. You and your healthcare practitioner will talk about these matters.

Prevention

Since sickle cell disease is a genetic illness, it cannot be prevented. Consider discussing genetic testing or genetic counseling with your healthcare professional if you are pregnant.

Summary

The illness known as sickle cell disease is permanent. Although a remedy exists, stem cell transplants are not always accessible and have a number of dangers. On the other hand, early identification and treatment might lessen your symptoms and the likelihood of problems. You are capable of living a full and active life with continued care.

TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis elbow. This is a condition that develops when you repeatedly twist or swing your lower arm. The tendon that connects your elbow to your forearm muscles is harmed by excessive elbow strain. The majority of patients recover after a few months of rest and nonsurgical treatment. Sometimes, providers refer to tennis elbow as lateral epicondylitis.

TENNIS ELBOW

Tennis elbow gets its name since it’s a prevalent ailment among athletes who play racquet sports like tennis. It results from overusing the  tendon that joins your elbow to your forearm muscles.

Symptoms

Pain on the outside of the elbow, which is the side that is farthest from the center of your body when your arms are at your sides with your palms facing forward, is one of the most typical signs of tennis elbow.
Stiffness.
Swelling.
a weak grip, particularly while attempting to shake someone’s hand or hold anything like a pen or racquet.

Causes

Tennis elbow can be brought on by repetitive motions or activities. Over time, additional strain from repetitive motions accumulates. Your extensor muscle tendon eventually sustains microscopic tears (microtraumas) as a result of the increased use and strain. You can feel and observe the signs of those microtraumas.
Although less frequent, tennis elbow can also result from an abrupt injury to the arm or elbow.

Treatment

Rest: Stop the activity that is causing your tennis elbow. During the healing process, try not to use your elbow.
Ice: Use an ice pack or cold compress on your elbow a few times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Keep ice packs away from your skin by wrapping them in a towel or other lightweight cloth.
Apply a compression bandage to your elbow to provide compression. Your provider can show you how to safely apply the compression bandage.
Elevation: Try to keep your elbow as high above your heart as you can.

Physical therapy: To improve your flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding your elbow, a physical therapist will prescribe stretches and exercises.
Wearing a brace: Braces for the elbow and wrist will give your tendon time to rest and repair. The type of brace you require and the frequency of its use will be determined by your healthcare professional.
Platelet-rich plasma is created by processing a sample of your blood to concentrate platelets, which are proteins that promote healing. The blood sample will then be injected into your elbow.

Prevention

Wear the appropriate safety gear for all jobs, sports, and pastimes.
Avoid “playing through pain” when engaging in or recovering from physical activity.
After a strenuous activity, give your body time to rest and recuperate.
Warm up and stretch before working out or participating in sports.
After exercising, stretch and cool down.
Engage in physical activities that are specific to your sport, hobbies, or occupation.

Summary

To allow their torn tendon to recover, most people require nonsurgical therapies and rest for a few months. The ideal therapies for you and the length of time you must refrain from particular actions or activities will be discussed with you by your healthcare practitioner.