Testicular Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of asbestos cancer that is diagnosed in just two to three thousand Americans each year. Testicular mesothelioma, in particular, is the rarest form of the disease. To date, less than one hundred cases of this type of mesothelioma have been reported.

Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis. This is a membranous lining that surrounds the testicle, providing protection and support for the reproductive organ. This membrane is composed of mesothelial cells, which are present in most of the body's membranous linings. The tunica vaginalis is made up of two layers, known as the parietal (outer) and visceral (inner) layers.

How Does Asbestos Cause Testicular Mesothelioma?

Because testicular mesothelioma is extremely rare, very little is known about how it develops. Most researchers theorize there are two possible points of origin for testicular mesothelioma. In some cases, patients with testicular mesothelioma have primary tumors in the peritoneal membrane and develop secondary tumors in one or both testicles. In other cases, patients have developed primary tumors in the testicle.

In cases where testicular cancer develops as a secondary tumor, the source of mesothelioma is typically a peritoneal tumor that has metastasized and spread to other areas of the body. Currently, there is no theory to explain why asbestos exposure might cause a primary tumor to develop in the testicles.

Once cells have become cancerous, they are no longer able to regulate their own cycles of growth and division. A primary tumor that develops in the testicle is formed from cancerous cells that divide without restraint, which causes the thickening of the tunica vaginalis and can eventually lead to the formation of tumors.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Testicular Mesothelioma

Due to the rarity of testicular mesothelioma, there is no recognized set of symptoms for this form of cancer. In the majority of the few reported cases of the disease, noticeable symptoms have been confined to the appearance of testicular lumps.

Testicular mesothelioma is not usually diagnosed until these lumps appear. In some cases, testicular mesothelioma has been detected when a patient undergoes surgery for another reason (such as hernia repair). In these cases, a sample of tissue may be removed (or biopsied) for diagnostic purposes, or the entire tumor may be removed.

Treatment for Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma treatment typically involves removal of a portion of one testicle, or even an entire testicle if necessary, depending on the extent of the cancer. Treatment may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Because testicular mesothelioma is often a secondary tumor, and the primary tumor is located within the peritoneum, treatment may not be as simple as removing testicular tumors. In these cases, the primary tumors must be treated as well.

It should be noted that both peritoneal and testicular mesothelioma are classified as being clinically aggressive types of asbestos cancer. This means they can spread rapidly and invasively. In addition, testicular mesothelioma tends to recur within a few years, even in cases where tumors are surgically removed.

Sources:

Mesothelioma News

Inventor of Mesothelioma Treatment Alimta Donates $1 Million for Research
2009-01-05 15:10:49
Edward C. Taylor, who invented one of the world's most effective anti-cancer drugs, has recently contributed $1 Million to the chemistry department at Hamilton College. He and his wife Virginia decide ...Read More
How Asbestos Exposure Affects the Body and Causes Mesothelioma
2009-01-02 17:11:45
The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was used in a variety of construction materials throughout much of the twentieth century. This unique mineral is fire-resistant and acts as an excellent insula ...Read More
Mesothelioma Treatment Gets Boost with New Diagnostic Test
2008-12-31 15:28:14
Israeli-based MicroRNA company, Rosetta Genomics, has made a giant leap in cancer diagnosis by announcing the commercial availability of its third diagnostic test, miRview (TM) meso. This breakthro ...Read More