What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a cancer that can form in one or both testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system – their main role is to produce the male hormone, testosterone, and sperm.
- It occurs mainly in men from the age of 15 to 50, and is a very curable form of cancer.
- There are 2000 cases of testicular cancer each year, and this is around 1% of all cancers in men.
- 98% of men will go on to live beyond 10 years and only 57 people died from it in 2016.
There are various types of testicular cancer. It will depend on the types of cells from where the cancer begins.
1) Germ Cell Testicular Cancer
These are cells that create sperm. It accounts for 95% of the cases. They can be subdivided into:
- Seminomas – Account for 50% of testicular cancer.
- Non Seminomas.
2) Leydig tumour or Sertoli cell tumours
3) Lymphoma
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of testicular cancer are:
- A lump in the testicle.
- Change in shape of the testicle.
- Change in size of the testicle.
- Increase in the firmness of the testicle.
- Dull ache or pain in the testicles or scrotum.
- Heaviness in the scrotum.
Most lumps are not due to cancer and can be due to cysts or swollen blood vessels. Only 4% of lumps are due to cancer.
Testicular cancer is localised and mostly does not spread to other parts of the body. Only 5% will spread to other organs.
Symptoms of metastatic cancer can include:
- Persistent cough.
- Coughing up blood.
- Shortness of breath.
- Lower back pain.
Cause
Testicular cancer is rare, and therefore – not enough research has been done to be able to work out what the exact cause is. There are a number of possible reasons:
- Genetics – A relative who has had testicular cancer may increase the risk.
- Undescended testicles – In some cases, the testicles will not descend. Males who have undescended testicles are three times more likely to develop testicular cancer.
- Previous Testicular cancer – If a patient has cancer in one testicle, there is a twelvefold increase in getting cancer in the other testicle.
There is no way of preventing testicular cancer. However, a healthy lifestyle, reduced alcohol and stopping smoking all help.
Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose testicular cancer is by physical examination. The GP will also shine a torch at the testicles and if the light does not shine through, a lump might be present.
If the GP is concerned, a referral will be made and additional tests will then be carried out to make sure the diagnosis is correct. Tests include:
- Scrotal ultrasound – Sound waves produce an image of the textiles. It can then show whether a lump is solid or filed with fluid.
- Blood tests – They can confirm certain markers that are only present in testicular cancer
Treatment
The following treatments are available:
- Surgery – The affected testicle would be removed which is called an orchiectomy. The cancer is hopefully removed and a full recovery can occur. The scrotum will remain intact and a prosthetic testicle can be replaced. It can cause infertility issues.
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy – Surgery will often be followed by these options. This is to ensure that the cancer has been cleared.
- Testosterone replacement therapy – This will be provided if there is not enough testosterone in the system. If there is reduced beard growth, erectile dysfunction, weight gain or loss in libido then testosterone injections may be needed.
How Do I Make a Claim?
There are generally three forms of claims for cases of this nature:
- Delay in diagnosis – This is where, despite presenting with symptoms, there is a delay in diagnosing the cancer and referring to specialists for appropriate treatment.
- Failure to provide appropriate treatment – Once the correct diagnosis has been made it is important that the correct treatment plan is implemented swiftly.
- Misdiagnosis – This is split into two forms of claims:
- Misdiagnosing testicular cancer as another condition such as a hydrocele or a cyst, therefore depriving the patient of treatment and prolonging pain and suffering.
- Misdiagnosing a less sinister condition, such as a cyst as testicular cancer and therefore the patient having unnecessary treatment for testicular cancer when he does not have the condition.
If you feel that you have suffered as a result of medical treatment for any of the above reasons, you could be entitled to compensation. The team at Oakwood Solicitors will be able to give you free initial advice on the prospects of your case and whether you would be eligible to make a claim.
You have three years from the date the negligent act occurring, or the date you became aware that negligence may have occurred to bring about a claim, so do not delay your enquiry.
How Long Will My Case Take to Run?
Given the complexities involved in pursuing Clinical Negligence claims, they can often take 18-24 months to conclude and longer if Court proceedings have to be issued.
Our investigations start by obtaining all relevant records and protocols, before approaching independent medical experts for their opinion. We will provide you with regular updates on the progress of your case to ensure that you are kept up to speed.
How Much is My Claim Worth?
It is often difficult to value clinical negligence claims at their outset given the complexities involved however we will pursue two forms of compensation for you:
- Firstly we will pursue compensation known as general damages – This is an award of money for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the negligence.
- Secondly, we will pursue compensation known as special damages – This is an award of money for all of your out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel expenses, medication costs, loss of earnings, treatment costs both past and future. This list is not exhaustive and is very case specific.
Why Use Oakwood Solicitors to Make Your Clinical Negligence Case?
We have a dedicated team of solicitors and paralegals who have many years’ experience between them in running cases of this nature. They are highly trained to deal with all aspects of Clinical Negligence.
We want to ensure that clients are not overwhelmed by legal jargon, medical terms that they don’t understand, and that we allow the claims procedure to be as transparent as possible.
How is My Case Funded?
The majority of Clinical Negligence cases are funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement, more commonly known as a ‘no-win, no fee’ agreement. This means that there will be nothing to pay up front and nothing to pay if the claim has been lost.
If you are successful in your claim, a deduction of 25% of damages will be taken to cover the success fee and the shortfall in legal fees.
It may also be the case that an After The Event (ATE) insurance policy will be obtained to cover the costs of expensive medical reports and investigations. If an ATE insurance policy has to be obtained, the cost of the same will be discussed with you at the appropriate point.
The cost of the ATE insurance policy is again taken from your damages and only payable if you are successful with your claim.
Charities/Useful Websites
Ballboys
Cancer Research UK
Orchid
Testicular Cancer Network UK
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you believe that diagnosis and/or treatment has negatively impacted your health, get in touch today for a free initial consultation in complete confidence. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9787 to find out how we can help you.
