Cryptorchidism, or an undescended testicle

An undescended testicle has not moved into the scrotum, the bag of skin that hangs behind the penis, during the development of a fetus.

 

The urologists report that 3-4 % of full-term male newborns and 21 percent of those born prematurely have an undescended testicle. Usually, only one testicle does not descend. Both are undescended in 10 percent of cases.

The more formal medical term for testicles that do not descend is cryptorchidism. It is one of the most common endocrine problems in newborn males and the most common genital condition that doctors can identify at birth.

Cryptorchidism often corrects itself within a few months of birth. However, an infant sometimes needs surgery to relocate the testicle to the scrotum.

This article explores the causes of cryptorchidism, risk factors, and treatment methods.

What is cryptorchidism?

The testicles should descend into the scrotum while the fetus is developing.

Cryptorchidism occurs when one or both of the testicles do not descend into the scrotum while the fetus is developing.
During gestation, the testicles form in the abdomen and gradually drop through the inguinal canal into the scrotum at around month 8 of pregnancy.
The scrotum is a small pouch, or sac, of skin that hangs behind the penis.
The testicles are oval-shaped organs that form part of the male reproductive system.
The testicles produce sperm cells, which are vital to reproduction. They also make testosterone, a hormone that plays a key role in male sexual development.

Symptoms

Undescended testicles may be palpable or unpalpable.
Palpable means that a doctor will be able to feel the undescended testicle during a physical examination. About 80 percent of undescended testicles are palpable.
The testicle is usually located at the end of the inguinal canal, a channel that carries the spermatic cord towards the penis and scrotum.
If a doctor cannot feel the undescended testicle, it is unpalpable, and it may be:
Abdominal: The least common location for an undescended testicle is in the abdomen.
Inguinal: The testicle has moved into the inguinal canal, but not far enough to be detectable by touch.
Atrophic or absent: The testicle is either very small, or it has never formed.

Risk factors

A premature birth increases the risk of cryptorchidism.

The following factors may increase the risk of cryptorchidism:
premature birth, with an earlier delivery carrying a greater risk
a low birth weight, which may double or triple the risk
Down's syndrome and other conditions that slow fetal growth
a family history of issues with genital development
tobacco consumption by a mother during pregnancy

Causes

In the early stages, all fetuses have structures that can develop into male or female reproductive organs.

The child receives sex chromosomes from its mother and father. Sex chromosomes are a pair of DNA molecules. The chromosomes will be XX in a female fetus, and XY if the fetus is male.

As the fetus develops, the XY gene promotes the development of the testes. These produce hormones that encourage the growth of the male reproductive tract, preventing female development.

Scientists maintain that the testicles might begin to develop incorrectly.

Abnormal genital development may also stem from androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), a genetic disorder in which XY fetuses do not respond to male hormones, such as testosterone.

A newborn with AIS may have female attributes, such as a short, pouch vagina, but no uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. The testes may be present in the abdomen or the inguinal canal.

Experts believe that most cases of undescended testicles occur when a combination of genetics, maternal health, and some environmental factors disrupt the hormones, cause physical changes, and interrupt the nerve activity involved in the testicles' development.

However, the exact cause of cryptorchidism remains unclear.

Diagnosis

To diagnose an undescended testicle, the doctor usually places the infant in a warm place to help him relax. Expanding the skin around the scrotum also makes it easier to perform the examination.

About 20% of the time, a doctor cannot locate the undescended testicle until the child is no longer an infant.

If the testicle is unpalpable, an ultrasound scan can often show its location. However, a doctor usually deems this step unnecessary. In some cases, a specialist called a pediatric urologist requests further testing.

The tests may include: 

An MRI scan with a contrast agent: The doctor injects the agent into the bloodstream to give a clearer picture of whether the testicle is in the groin or abdomen. 

A laparoscopy: The doctor inserts a tiny tube with an attached camera through a small incision in the abdomen. If necessary, they can also perform corrective surgery using the same tool. 

Open surgery: In rare, complicated cases, surgeons will use this to explore the abdomen directly.

If both testicles are undescended, the doctor may recommend a genetic test to determine the sex chromosomes.

Some genetically female babies have external male genitalia or ambiguous genitalia. In this case, a doctor may use:

• ultrasound imaging to check for undescended testicles or ovaries
• blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels
• genetic testing to identify sex chromosomes

Treatment

In around half of all infants with cryptorchidism, the testicle will descend on its own within 3 months.
However, in 1 or 2 of every 100 infants with cryptorchidism, the testicle has not descended by the time the baby reaches 6 months of age. If this occurs, treatment is necessary.

Orchidopexy

A surgeon may perform an orchidopexy if the testicle has not descended by the time the baby reaches 6 months of age. 

A surgeon will often use an orchidopexy. This is a procedure to free an undescended testicle and implants it in the scrotum.

A child usually undergoes this surgery when they are between 6 and 18 months old. It is important to perform the procedure before the child is 2 years old because delays may increase the long-term risk of testicular cancer or infertility.

Infertility is a risk because the testicles need to be at a certain temperature to produce sperm. If the testicles remain inside the inguinal canal, for example, the high temperature can impair sperm production.

During an orchidopexy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and uses small instruments to move the testicle down the inguinal canal and into the scrotum, which requires a second incision.

The surgeon will usually seal the inguinal canal to stop the testicle from moving back up. In most cases, the infant can return home on the day of surgery.

Complications

If a testicle does not descend, its temperature can rise high enough to cause a low sperm count or poor sperm quality.

Testicular cancer is another complication of an undescended testicle, though the risk is lower than 1 %. The link between the two conditions remains unclear.

Cryptorchidism also increases the risk of testicular torsion. This occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted.

The spermatic cord contains nerves, blood vessels, and tubes that carry semen between each testicle and the penis. If a person does not receive quick treatment, they could lose the twisted testicle.

Also, if an undescended testicle is located in the groin, pressure from the pubic bone can damage it.
Finally, as with any surgery on the testicles, an orchidopexy carries a risk of damaging the vas deferens, which is the tube connecting each testicle to the urethra.
Cryptorchidism is a common and treatable condition in which one or both testicles does not drop into the scrotal sac while a male fetus is developing.
The condition resolves in 50 percent of cases without treatment. However, some infants with an undescended testicle require a procedure called an orchidopexy to correct the issue.
If an undescended testicle does not receive treatment soon enough, there is a risk of infertility later in life. While the surgery carries risks, its outlook is good.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.bspot.com

What to know about testicular cancer

Male sex hormones and sperm are produced in the testicles. Testicular cancer, or cancer of the testes, occurs in these organs. 

 

Testosterone controls the development of the reproductive organs and other male physical characteristics.

 

Although testicular cancer is uncommon compared with other cancers (0.7 percent of all cancers), it is the most common cancer in males aged between 15 and 35 years in North America and Europe. Every year, 8,000 males in U.S. are diagnosed with testicular cancer, and 390 men die each year in the from the disease.

Facts on testicular cancer 
Testicular cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in young men.
Common diagnoses include examination, blood tests, and ultrasounds.
Treatment is successful in 95 percent of men with testicular cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of testicular cancer do not normally appear until a later stage.
In most cases, the individual finds the cancer himself. Sometimes, it is discovered by doctors during a routine physical exam.

Anyone who notices anything unusual about their testicles should see a doctor, especially if they detect any of the following:
a painless lump or swelling in a testicle
pain in a testicle or scrotum
discomfort in a testicle or scrotum
a sensation of heaviness in the scrotum
a dull ache in the lower back, groin, or abdomen
a sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum
unexplained tiredness or malaise.

It is worth noting that these symptoms may not necessarily be caused by cancer. In fact, less than 4 % of lumps in the testicles are found to be cancerous. Individuals should not ignore a lump or swelling in the testicle, though. It is important to see a doctor. They can then determine the cause.
Even though testicular cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, it hardly ever travels to other organs. If the cancer does spread, a person may experience:
coughing
breathing difficulties
swallowing difficulties
swelling in the chest

Early signs

It is important to catch testicular cancer early to improve the chances for successful treatment.
The earliest signs that occur are a painless lump and swelling. The testicle may also seem to be larger than usual.
However, this type of cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms until a later stage. That is why self-examination is so important - it is often the only way to catch testicular cancer at an early stage.

Causes

Although scientists are not sure what the specific causes of testicular cancer are, there are some factors which may raise a man's risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include: 

Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle): If a testicle has not moved down when a male is born, there is a greater risk that he will develop testicular cancer later on. 

Congenital abnormalities: Males born with abnormalities of the penis, kidneys, or testicles. 

Inguinal hernia: Males born with a hernia in the groin. 

Having had testicular cancer: If a male has had testicular cancer, he is more likely to develop it in the other testicle, compared with a man who has never had testicular cancer. 

Family history: A male who has a close relative with testicular cancer is more likely to develop it himself compared with other men. 

Abnormal testicular development: Conditions, such as Klinefelter's syndrome, where the testicles do not develop normally, may increase a person's risk of testicular cancer. 

Mumps orchitis: This is an uncommon complication of mumps in which one or both testicles become inflamed. 

Ancestry: Testicular cancer is more common among Caucasian males, compared with men of African or Asian descent. The highest rates are found in Scandinavia, Germany, and New Zealand.

Having a vasectomy does not increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer.

Treatment

Around 95 % of all men with testicular cancer make a full recovery after receiving treatment. The sooner a patient is diagnosed and treated, the better his prognosis is.
Treatment for testicular cancer may involve surgery,  radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination.

Surgery

Orchiectomy Orchiectomy is usually the first line of treatment. The testicle is surgically removed to prevent the tumour from spreading. If the patient is diagnosed and treated in stage 1, surgery may be the only treatment needed.
An orchiectomy is a straightforward operation. The patient receives a general anesthetic. A small incision is made in the groin, and the testicle is removed through the incision. The patient remains in hospital for a few days.
If the man still has one testicle after the operation, his sex life and chances of reproducing should not be affected.

Fertility If after the operation, the patient has no testicles, he will be infertile. He will not be able to produce sperm.
Males who wish to have children one day should consider banking their sperm before the operation - some sperm is kept in a sperm-bank before the testicle or testicles are removed.
Other testicular cancer therapies, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can also affect a cancer patient's long-term fertility.

Lymph node surgery
If the cancer has reached the lymph nodes, they will need to be surgically removed. This usually involves the lymph nodes in the abdomen and chest. Sometimes lymph node surgery can result in infertility.

Radiation therapy

Radiotherapy involves the use of beams of high-energy X-rays or particles (radiation) to destroy cancer cells. Radiotherapy works by damaging the DNA inside the tumor cells, destroying their ability to reproduce.

Patients with seminoma testicular cancer will typically require radiotherapy as well as surgery. The radiotherapy is used to prevent cancer recurrence.

Patients whose cancer has spread to their lymph nodes will need radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may cause the following temporary side effects:
tiredness
rashes
muscle stiffness
joint stiffness
loss of appetite
nausea

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals (medication) to destroy cancer cells. Cytotoxic medication prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing.
Chemotherapy is usually given to patients with advanced testicular cancer - cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment is administered either orally (tablets by mouth) or injection. As chemotherapy attacks healthy cells as well as cancerous ones, the patient may experience the following temporary side effects:
nausea
vomiting 
hair loss
mouth sores
tiredness
malaise

Most people immediately link chemotherapy with uncomfortable side effects. However, side-effect management has improved considerably over the last 20 years.

Diagnosis

There are several ways to diagnose testicular cancer.
Blood tests
These measure levels of tumor markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). However, it is possible that blood tests come back normal, even though cancer is present.
Testicular ultrasound
An ultrasound of the scrotum can reveal the presence and also the size of a tumor.
Testicular biopsy
A small sample of tissue is taken from the targeted area in the testicle and examined under a microscope to determine whether the lump is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Testicular cancer types

When the doctor has determined the type of testicular cancer the patient has, they can then devise a treatment plan and make a prognosis. There are two main types of testicular cancer: 

Seminoma testicular cancer: These contain only seminoma cells. All age groups can get this type of cancer. 

Non-seminoma testicular cancer: These may contain many different cancer cells. Non-seminoma tumors tend to affect younger patients and will spread more rapidly than seminoma ones.

Most testicular cancers start in the germ cells - the cells in the testicles that produce immature sperm. We don't know what causes those cells to become abnormal and cancerous. Sometimes, both types of cancers may be present. If this is the case, the doctor will use non-seminoma treatment.

Staging the cancer

After carrying out all the relevant tests, the doctor will then be able to stage the cancer. This helps determine what treatment to use. 

Stage I: The cancer is only in the testis and has not spread. 
Stage II: The cancer has reached the lymph nodes in the abdomen. 
Stage III: The cancer has spread further, to other parts of the body. This could include the lungs, liver, brain, and bones.

Self-exam

The best time to check yourself is when the scrotal skin is relaxed; usually after a warm shower or bath.

Gently hold the scrotum in the palms of both hands. Stand in front of the mirror and look for any swelling on the skin of the scrotum.

Feel the size and weight of the testicles first.

With fingers and thumbs press around and be receptive to any lumps or unusual swellings. Some men have one testicle that hangs lower than the other. Some people have one testicle which is bigger than the other. This is normal.

Each check, try to detect any significant increase in the size or weight of the testicles.

Feel each testicle individually. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle while your thumbs are on the top. Gently roll the testicle between the thumbs and the fingers - it should be smooth, oval-shaped, and somewhat firm. There should be no lumps or swellings. The top and back of each testicle should have a tube-like section where sperm is stored, known as the epididymis, which may be slightly tender. It is normal for it to feel tender.

Prevention

Preventing most cases testicular cancer is not possible, as the causes are largely unknown. Many men who develop testicular cancer do not have any known risk factors.
However, it is possible to make sure the cancer does not advance before treatment.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

Hydrocelectomy: All you need to know

Hydrocelectomy is a kind of surgery used to remove fluid-filled sacs called hydroceles. These form in the scrotum, the muscular pouch of skin that holds and protects the testicles.

 

A hydrocele forms when fluid from the abdomen flows into the scrotum. A hydrocele causes swelling but is usually not painful. Some people describe it as feeling a little like a water balloon.

Roughly 1 out of every 10 boys is born with a hydrocele, according to the doctors. 

Studies indicate that the condition resolves itself by the time the majority of these boys are 2 years old.

Fast facts on hydroceles Here are some key points about hydroceles. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
Hydroceles can also develop in adult males, often following an injury that causes swelling.
A physical exam is the first step in diagnosing a hydrocele.
Hydrocelectomy is usually considered minor surgery and performed on an outpatient basis.
Without a hydrocelectomy or other forms of treatment, hydroceles may continue to swell, though most resolve on their own.
In children, a hydrocele is treated mainly to prevent a hernia from developing.

What are hydroceles?

Hydroceles are sacs of fluid that form around the testes. Hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure to treat them.

Hydroceles can be either communicating or non-communicating.

Communicating hydroceles
In a communicating hydrocele, there is a direct path between the abdomen and the scrotum. Also, an inguinal hernia, where part of the small intestine drops into the scrotum, may be present.

A communicating hydrocele may change its size during a day, growing larger as fluid drains into the scrotum from the abdomen.

Non-communicating hydroceles
In a non-communicating hydrocele, the fluid stays inside the sac but is not absorbed by the body.
Hydrocele of the cord is a particular kind of non-communicating hydrocele, where the condition develops further up in the scrotum. This type of hydrocele may sometimes be confused with an inguinal hernia,cyst, tumour or other problem with the groin area.

Hydroceles in children
For infants with congenital hydroceles, the condition develops between the 28th and 32 weeks of pregnancy, when a muscle in the scrotum opens to let the testes drop.

In some cases, the muscle stays open longer than is needed, doesn't close properly, or opens again, allowing fluid from the belly to flow into the scrotum and form a hydrocele.

Premature birth, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions may increase the likelihood of problems with closure of this muscle.

Hydroceles in adults
In adults, hydroceles affect about 1%  of men over 40 years. Radiation treatment for prostate cancer may increase the risk of developing a hydrocele.

When non-communicating hydroceles develop in adult men, the cause is usually unknown. A hydrocele itself does not cause pain, but men may experience discomfort due to the size and weight of the swollen scrotum.

Even in adults, the condition may disappear on its own in a few months, but if it does not, medical attention is needed and a person should consider having a hydrocelectomy.

Hydrocele diagnosis

Upon examination, a doctor will attempt to feel the condition of the testicle. Ordinarily, this is not possible, due to the surrounding sac of the hydrocele.

Before performing a hydrocelectomy, a doctor may carry out a procedure called transillumination, which involves:
Shining a light through the scrotum, looking for fluid, which would indicate the presence of a hydrocele.
Conducting an ultrasound examination to determine whether the observed swelling is a hydrocele.
Treating the hydrocele with aspiration, using a needle to drain fluid out of the scrotum.

After a positive diagnosis, a doctor may recommend a hydrocelectomy.

What is the procedure for hydrocelectomy?

There are different steps involved in a hydrocelectomy. The procedure used will depend on the type of hydroceles being treated.

The procedure takes place under a general anesthetic. If an infant has a hydrocele that does not go away on its own, surgeons will wait until the child is at least 1 to 2 years old before operating.
The steps involved with a hydrocelectomy depend on whether the hydrocele is communicating or non-communicating: 

Non-communicating hydrocele: Surgeons make an incision in the scrotum, remove the sac, drain the fluid, and close the incision. 

Communicating hydrocele: Treatment is slightly more complicated; doctors make an incision through the groin so that they can treat a hernia, if present, at the same time as removing the hydroceles. Even if there is no hernia, doctors take this approach to prevent a hernia from developing in the future.

Laparoscopic hydrocelectomy

Some surgeons will conduct a hydrocelectomy through laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, inserting a tube equipped with a camera through the abdomen.

In some cases, individuals and their doctors opt for draining the hydroceles, which can be effective. However, this procedure carries a greater risk of the hydroceles returning.

Procedure

A hydrocelectomy requires a general anesthetic, and most people go home a few hours after having the operation. So, it is important to talk to the surgeon about what to expect for themselves or a child during recovery. It is a good idea to find out what, if anything, merits a call to the doctor.

For the first week or so after the procedure, most individuals will experience pain that requires medication. In addition to pain relievers, using an ice pack on the affected area can also help.

Some individuals may need to use special bandages or a drainage tube during their recovery process.
For a few weeks after surgery, swelling may continue. Activity should be limited, depending on the individual's age and the extent of the procedures performed.

Give children sponge baths, rather than a soak in the tub, for around 10 days after a hydrocelectomy.
For about 3 weeks after the procedure, children should not play with rocking horses, ride bicycles and other straddle toys, or take part in sports.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

15 Cancer Symptoms Men Ignore

Symptom  No. 1: Breast Mass

If you’re like most men, you’ve probably never considered the possibility of having breast cancer. Although it’s not common, it is possible. Any new mass in the breast area of a man needs to be checked out by a physician.

In addition,there are several other worrisome signs involving the breast that men as well as women should take note of. They include:

• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Nipple retraction
• Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge

When you consult your physician about any of these signs, expect him to take a careful history and do a physical exam. Then, depending on the findings, the doctor may order a mammogram, a biopsy, or other tests.

Symptom  No. 2: Pain

As they age, people often complain of increasing aches and pains. But pain, as vague as it may be, can be an early symptom of some cancers. Most pain complaints, though, are not from cancer.

Any pain that persists,  should be checked out by your physician. The doctor should take a careful history, get more details, and then decide whether further testing is necessary. If it's not cancer, you will still benefit from the visit to the office. That’s because the doctor can work with you to find out what's causing the pain and determine the proper treatment.

Symptom  No. 3: Changes in the Testicles

Testicular cancer occurs most often in men aged 20 to 39. It is recommended that men get a testicular exam by a doctor as part of a routine cancer-related checkup. Some doctors also suggest a monthly self-exam. Any change in the size of the testicles, such as growth or shrinkage, should be a concern.

In addition, any swelling, lump, or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum should not be ignored. Some testicular cancers occur very quickly. So early detection is especially crucial.  If you feel a hard lump of coal [in your testicle], get it checked right away. 

Your doctor should do a testicular exam and an overall assessment of your health. If cancer is suspected, blood tests may be ordered. You may also undergo an ultrasound examination of your scrotum, and your doctor may decide to do a biopsy. A biopsy may require the removal of the entire testicle.

Symptom  No. 4: Changes in the Lymph Nodes

If you notice a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck -- or anywhere else -- it could be a reason for concern. If you have a lymph node that gets progressively larger, and it's been longer than a month, see a doctor.

Your doctor should examine you and determine any associated issues that could explain the lymph node enlargement, such as infection. If there is no infection, a doctor will typically order a biopsy.

Symptom  No. 5: Fever

If you've got an unexplained fever, it may indicate cancer. Fever, though, might also be a sign of pneumonia or some other illness or infection that needs treatment.

Most cancers will cause fever at some point. Often, fever occurs after the cancer has spread from its original site and invaded another part of the body. Fever can also be caused by blood cancers such as lymphoma or leukaemia. 

It’s best not to ignore a fever that can’t be explained. Check with your doctor to find out what might be causing the fever and to determine its proper treatment.

 Symptom No. 6: Weight Loss Without Trying

Unexpected weight loss is a concern. Most of us don't lose weight easily.  If a man loses more than 10% of his body weight in a time period of 3 to 6 months, it’s time to see the doctor.

Your doctor should do a general physical exam, ask you questions about your diet and exercise, and ask about other symptoms. Based on that information, the doctor will decide what other tests are needed.

Symptom  No. 7: Gnawing Abdominal Pain and Depression

Any man (or woman) who's got a pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a check up. Experts have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer. Other symptoms of pancreas cancer may include jaundice, a change in stool color -- often gray -- a darkening of the urine. Itching over the whole body may also occur.

Expect your doctor to do a careful physical exam and take a history. The doctor should order tests such as an ultrasound, a CT scan or both, as well as other laboratory tests.

Symptom No. 8: Fatigue

Fatigue is another vague symptom that could point to cancer in men. But many other problems could cause fatigue as well. Like fever, fatigue can set in after the cancer has grown. But  it may also happen early in cancers such as leukemia, colon cancer, or stomach cancer.

If you often feel extremely tired and you don’t get better with rest, check with your doctor. The doctor should evaluate the fatigue along with any other symptoms in order to determine its cause and the proper treatment.

Symptom  No. 9: Persistent Cough

Coughs are expected, of course, with colds, the flu, and allergies. They are also sometimes a side effect of a medication. But a very prolonged cough -- defined as lasting more than three or four weeks -- or a change in a cough should not be ignored. Those cough patterns warrant a visit to the doctor. They could be a symptom of cancer, or they could indicate some other problem such as chronic bronchitis or acid reflux.

Your doctor should take a careful history, examine your throat, listen to your lungs, determine their function with a spirometry test, and, if you are a smoker, order X-rays. Once the reason for the coughing is identified, the doctor will work with you to determine a treatment plan.

 Symptom No. 10: Difficulty Swallowing

Some men may report trouble swallowing but then ignore it. Over time, they change their diet to a more liquid diet. They start to drink more soup. But swallowing difficulties,  may be a sign of a GI cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus.

Let your doctor know if you are having trouble swallowing. Your doctor should take a careful history and possibly order a chest X-ray and a barium swallow. The doctor may also send you to a specialist for an upper GI endoscopy to examine your esophagus and upper GI tract.

Symptom No. 11: Changes in the Skin

You should be alert to not only changes in moles -- a well-known sign of potential skin cancer -- but also changes in skin pigmentation. 

A Dr. says that suddenly developing bleeding on your skin or excessive scaling are reasons to check with your doctor. It's difficult to say how long is too long to observe skin changes, but most experts say not to wait longer than several weeks.

To find out what’s causing the skin changes, your doctor should take a careful history and perform a careful physical exam. The doctor may also order a biopsy to rule out cancer.

Symptom No. 12: Blood Where It Shouldn't Be

Any time you see blood coming from a body part where you've never seen it before, see a doctor. If you start coughing up blood, spitting up blood, have blood in the bowel or in the urine, it’s time for a doctor visit.  It’s a mistake to assume blood in the stool is simply from a haemorrhoid. It could be colon cancer.

Your doctor should ask you questions about your symptoms. The doctor may also order tests such as a colonoscopy. This is an examination of the colon using a long flexible tube with a camera on one end. The purpose of a colonoscopy is to identify any signs of cancer or precancer or identify any other causes of the bleeding.

Symptom  No. 13: Mouth Changes

If you smoke or chew tobacco, you need to be especially alert for any white patches inside your mouth or white spots on your tongue. Those changes may indicate leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous area that can occur with ongoing irritation. This condition can progress to oral cancer.

You should report the changes to your doctor or dentist. The dentist or doctor should take a careful history, examine the changes, and then decide what other tests might be needed.

Symptom  No. 14: Urinary Problems

As men age, urinary problems become more frequent. Those problems include the following:

• The urge to urinate more often,especially at night
• A sense of urgency
• A feeling of not completely emptying the bladder
• An inability to start the urine stream
• Urine leaking when laughing or coughing
• A weakening of the urine stream

Every man will develop these problems as he gets older. But once you notice these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. That's especially true if the symptoms get worse.

Your doctor should do a digital rectal exam, which will tell him whether the prostate gland is enlarged or has nodules on it. The prostate gland often enlarges as a man ages. It’s most often caused by a noncancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. 

Your doctor may discuss doing a blood test to check the level of prostate-specific antigen or PSA. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and the test is used to help determine the possibility of prostate cancer. 

If the doctor notices abnormalities in the prostate or if the PSA is higher than it should be, your doctor may refer you to a urologist and perhaps order a biopsy. Prostate cancer may be present even with a normal PSA level.

Symptom  No. 15: Indigestion

Many men, especially as they get older, think "heart attack" when they get bad indigestion. But persistent indigestion may point to cancer of the esophagus, throat, or stomach. Persistent or worsening indigestion should be reported to your doctor.

Your doctor should take a careful history and ask questions about the indigestion episodes. Based on the history and your answers to the questions, the doctor will decide what tests are needed.

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