The National Cancer Institute reports that testicular cancer is most common among men between the ages of 20 and 34. Testicular cancer is highly curable. More than nine out of 10 men with testicular cancer are diagnosed with a small, localized tumor that is highly treatable. Even if the cancer has spread at diagnosis, many men with testicular cancer are treated successfully and have an excellent chance of survival.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Self examination or physical examination by an m.d. is often the first way testicular cancer is noticed.
Self exams should be a monthly routine; a routine physical exam once a year is recommended. Testicular cancer symptoms include:
• A lump in either testicle that may or may not cause pain
• An enlarged (swollen) or hard testicle
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• A sudden gathering of fluid in the scrotum
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: be smart and do your self examinations on a routine basis. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, go to your m.d. or urologist and have a thorough exam. Early detection can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Showing posts with label testes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label testes. Show all posts
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Understanding Hormones Part 3
Today, we will review the first few phases of the hormonal pathway. I'll keep this as simple as possible:
The journey begins in your brain. You might have heard of the words 'serotonin, acetylcholine or dopamine' (no...that's not the dope sitting next to you!). These are better known as neurotransmitters.
(think radio or television wave transmission, but in your body!).
These neurotransmitters send out signals to a gland known as the hypothalamus to 'wake up and get movin'. Just like the old game of 'telephone', the hypothalamus then sends a signal down to the pituatary gland to get movin' and groovin'.
The pituitary gets its act together and then sends signals to glands such as the thyroid or testes. These glands will will interpret the signals and tell its hormone (or hormones) to 'do their thing'. This typically means they will direct a binding transport protein that will help the hormone travel to its final destination.
Whatever isn't used from the particular hormone goes to the liver and/or gallbladder, for waste management. It is eventually disposed of via the feces.
Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: did you know that the body can convert hormones into new types of molecules? For example, testosterone can be converted into estrogen! Pretty cool stuff, huh? Tomorrow, we will continue our journey along the hormonal pathway, so stay tuned for more!
The journey begins in your brain. You might have heard of the words 'serotonin, acetylcholine or dopamine' (no...that's not the dope sitting next to you!). These are better known as neurotransmitters.
(think radio or television wave transmission, but in your body!).
These neurotransmitters send out signals to a gland known as the hypothalamus to 'wake up and get movin'. Just like the old game of 'telephone', the hypothalamus then sends a signal down to the pituatary gland to get movin' and groovin'.
The pituitary gets its act together and then sends signals to glands such as the thyroid or testes. These glands will will interpret the signals and tell its hormone (or hormones) to 'do their thing'. This typically means they will direct a binding transport protein that will help the hormone travel to its final destination.
Whatever isn't used from the particular hormone goes to the liver and/or gallbladder, for waste management. It is eventually disposed of via the feces.
Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: did you know that the body can convert hormones into new types of molecules? For example, testosterone can be converted into estrogen! Pretty cool stuff, huh? Tomorrow, we will continue our journey along the hormonal pathway, so stay tuned for more!
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