Men should be aware

Testicular Cancer -  is a type of potentially life-threatening condition that begins in the testes, the region where sperm is produced. It says that symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump or swelling in either testicle, a dull ache in the lower part of the stomach or back, an enlarged testicle and testicular pain or heaviness. Also, enlargement of the breast tissue can also be a sign of testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer typically strikes men between 15 and 35 years of age.
Treating testicular cancer involves surgical removing the cancerous tumor and using high dose radiation energy to kill the testicular cancer cells. Chemotherapy medications such as cisplatin and bleomycin may also be used to manage testicular cancer.
Unfortunately, the exact cause for testicular cancer is not known. Risk factors for developing testicular cancer involve abnormal testicular development and having a history of testicular cancer and an undescended testicle. Also, having Klinefelter's syndrome (an inherited developmental delay disorder) can also increase an individual's risk for testicular cancer.

Penile Cancer - Penile cancer is a type of cancer that starts at the penis. Specific symptoms of penile cancer include a painless sore on the penis, genital lesions and pain or bleeding from the penis.

At this time, the cause for penile cancer is unknown. Risk factors for developing penile cancer include smegma, a foul and cheese-like substance found below the penis' foreskin.
Treating penile cancer also involves chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to eliminate the penile cancer cells.

Priapism - Priapism refers to a painful and prolonged erection, says the Mayo Clinic. It states that priapism is common in boys between five and 10 years old and in men between 20 and 50 years old.

Priapism may be due to such diseases as sickle cell anemia and leukemia. It may also be due to such prescription medications as sildenafil, fluoxetine, diazepam and warfarin. Blood clots, spinal cord injury and cocaine are some other causes of priapism.
Treating priapism involves draining the penis with a needle (aspiration) and taking medications such as phenylephrine. Surgery may be necessary to place a shunt into the penis.




Hypospadias - literally “below the fleshy spike.” A condition in which the external urinary meatus (opening) opens anywhere below the tip of the penis rather than at the tip.



Hydrocele - a fluid filled sac partially surrounding the testis. Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum. May cause discomfort. Can be surgically corrected. And, who would most likely be doing the surgery? A urologist!
Varicocele - dilated and twisted veins of the testis, sort of “hemorrhoids” of the scrotum! Manifests itself as a swelling on the side of the scrotum which may look and feel like a “bag of worms.” May be surgically corrected if causing discomfort. This condition may also cause reduced sperm count and male sterility due to sluggish blood flow elevating testicular temperature.


Cryptorchidism - literally “hidden testicle.” A condition of lack of descent of one or both testes into the scrotum. If not corrected, usually by surgery, before puberty, can lead to sterility and increased risk of testicular cancer.


Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) - swelling of the prostate gland which surrounds the base of the male bladder and urethra causing difficulty urinating, dribbling, and nocturia (remember that word? See urinary system). The bane of old men! BPH becomes more common as men age.


Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - the surgical cure for BPH. An instrument inserted through the penile urethra is used to partially cut away the prostate to relieve obstruction of the urinary tract.


Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) – PSA is a marker protein for prostate cell secretions which can be detected with a lab test. A rising PSA may be an early sign of prostate cancer, although there may be other causes including false positive tests. How often should men get a PSA test? Check in with The Prostate Cancer Foundation.