By Becky John
Dr Chris Agboghoroma, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with National Hospital, Abuja, has advised men to go for regular testicular examination to prevent testicular cancer. Agboghoroma told the News men on Monday in Abuja that the measure would also help to detect testicular cancer at its early stages. He explained that regular testicle examination would detect any form of abnormality around the male organ and prevent testicular cancer.
“Testicles are the male reproductive organ that produces sperm, located in the scrotum under the penis.
“Testicular examination is an important part of a routine physical examination for every teenage boy and man,’’ he said.
The consultant said that testicular examination includes physical examination of the groin and genital organs, including the penis, scrotum and testicles. Agboghoroma recommended regular examination to check for the presence of lumps, swellings and shrinking, among others. He said it was most appropriate from the ages of 15 to 40 years of age as these would help detect testicular cancer in its early stages.
According to him, self-examination is best done during or after a bath, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed.
He said during examination, one testicle should be checked at a time, by holding the testis with both hands rolled gently between fingers. He added that any hard lump, change in the shape and size of the testis should be a great concern and medical attention should be sought immediately. The gynaecologist said testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men, adding that it was usually first discovered by men themselves or their partners.
He mentioned that male infants could also have their genitals checked for congenital abnormalities by the care givers or parents. Agboghoroma noted that undescended testicles could also be checked in male babies after delivery; meaning the testicular of the baby may be hidden inside his abdomen leaving his scrotum empty. He added that due to the high temperature of the abdomen, the testis could be affected and may not produce viable sperms when the child gets of age.
The consultant also mentioned that there could be internal malformation of the organs which may not be detected by the person except a specialist. Agboghoroma said most congenital defect of the male organ could be reversed, adding that at the early stage of testicular cancer, the lump is usually small.
He said if such lumps are detected early, it could be treated.
