Testicular mesothelioma, also
known as mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis, is the rarest form of the deadly
cancer.
This
type of
mesothelioma, which is found in the testicles, is so rare that researchers have not yet developed a thorough list of
symptoms or a standard treatment regimen.
The more common
types of
mesothelioma are
pleural mesothelioma,
peritoneal mesothelioma, and
pericardial mesothelioma (found in the tissue surrounding the heart).
What Causes Testicular Mesothelioma?
The only known cause is
exposure to
asbestos, a fiber that has been used for decades in common household and industrial building products.
Asbestos exposure is an occupational hazard in many lines of work, including for construction workers, industrial workers, mechanics, shipbuilders and veterans.
In New York and throughout the United States, these hard-working people are more frequently exposed to
asbestos, making them most at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases such as testicular
mesothelioma.
It is important to note that no amount of
exposure to
asbestos is considered safe. And even those with limited
exposure to
asbestos can develop
mesothelioma.
How does Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis develop?
Although testicular mesothelioma is very rare, it is suspected that the
cancer originates from the
pleura (tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs), the
peritoneum (tissue lining the abdominal cavity and abdominal organs), or the
pericardium (tissue lining the outside of the heart), according to a report in the World Journal of Surgical Oncology.
When people are exposed to
asbestos — either directly by handling materials or indirectly by being in an area where materials that contain
asbestos are being worked on — they can inhale or ingest tiny
asbestos fibers. These dangerous fibers can get stuck in the
pleura, the
peritoneum or the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can stay in the body for decades before
testicular mesothelioma develops. In fact, it can take 15 to 60 years for
testicular mesothelioma to develop.
What are the common symptoms ?
Testicular
mesothelioma is so rare that
symptoms are not clearly defined. Reported
symptoms include:
- a mass in the testicle
- an accumulation of fluid in the scrotum
- testicular swelling
Because
testicular mesothelioma symptoms may not be as noticeable or appear serious at first,
doctors may not make a
testicular mesothelioma diagnosis right away.
However, the longer it takes to diagnose the disease, the more serious it can become. If you have been exposed to
asbestos and are experiencing
symptoms that could be signs of
testicular mesothelioma, discuss your concerns with your
doctor immediately.
How is the diagnosis made??
Unlike other forms of
mesothelioma where
diagnostic testing can help pinpoint the
cancer,
testicular mesothelioma is so rare and lacking in specific
symptoms that a
diagnosis is often only made during or after
surgery.
Researchers have also explored the effectiveness of using a preoperative scrotal ultrasound to help with a
testicular mesothelioma diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for Mesothelioma in the Testis?
Testicular
mesothelioma tumors can be benign or malignant; however, most cases are not
diagnosed early enough for
treatment to be considered curative (aimed at killing the
cancer cells completely and preventing further growth).
Still, there are
testicular mesothelioma treatment options, particularly
surgery, that may extend the
patient’s life or provide pain relief.
Testicular mesothelioma treatment options include:
- Radical inguinal orchiectomy: This surgery to remove the testicle is the most common treatment for testicular cancers worldwide, according to the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins.
- Additional surgeries: Because testicular mesothelioma diagnoses are so rare, doctors may consider other surgeries specific to each case. One common procedure is a lymphadenectomy to remove lymph nodes around the site to check for the spread of cancer.
- Chemotherapy: This is a common type of treatment for many cancers. It will not eradicate testicular mesothelioma, but it may slow the spread of the disease and provide pain relief for patients.
What is the prognosis for patients with this type of Mesothelioma?
The median survival time for
mesothelioma in general can range from a year to 21 months, depending on how early the
cancer is diagnosed, according to the
American Cancer Society.
However, a study in the World Journal of Surgical Oncology suggests the
testicular mesothelioma prognosis may be more optimistic, with a median survival rate of 24 months for those with malignant
testicular mesothelioma.
The prognosis is better for younger
patients whose disease is caught early, with one study in
The Canadian Journal of Urology reporting on a
patient who was still alive seven years after
treatment for
testicular mesothelioma.
If you are facing a
testicular mesothelioma diagnosis, our resources are at your disposal.
We encourage you to explore our community of medical experts,
patients, caregivers and advocates here to support you and your loved ones through this difficult journey.
Sources & Author:
- American Cancer Society: Survival statistics for mesothelioma
- The Canadian Journal of Urology: Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins University: Orchiectomy (Radical Orchiectomy, Testis Sparing Surgery)
- OSHA Fact Sheet: Asbestos
- World Journal of Surgical Oncology: Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: a malignancy associated with recurrent epididymitis?