title: [Epidemiology and risk factors of testicular tumours].
abstract: Testicular tumours are rare neoplasms, which most commonly affects men aged 25 to 35 years. Among young adult males it is the most common cause of testicular swelling. In recent decades, the number of cases of testicular tumours has greatly increased. The most significant predisposing factors are cryptorchidism and some endocrine disorders, especially increased levels of gonadotropins and female sex hormones. Testicular trauma, inguinal hernia, extreme values of body mass index (BMI), high-calorie diet rich in dairy products as well as high social status are also regarded as risk factors. Furthermore, some chromosomal abnormalities like increased number of chromosomes 7, 8. 12, 21 and X, loss of chromosomes 4, 5, 11, 13, 18, or Y, mutation in the gene Xq27; as well as multiplied copy of the gene i(12p) are associated with tumor development. It has been proven that high testosterone levels and regular physical activity may prevent testicular tumours. Since one of the first sign the lesion is often a lump or swelling of the testis and the appearance of abnormal structure in the scrotum routine testicular self-examination seems to be important in early detection. In all suspected cases an immediate ultrasound examination of both testicles is highly recommended. It is also advised to conduct a computerized tomography (CT) and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan for staging of the tumor to select the best mode of treatment.
authors.affiliation: St Johns' Oncology Center in Lublin; Medical University of Lublin, Poland: Humana Anatomy Department.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kozłowski
authors.affiliation: St Johns' Oncology Center in Lublin.
authors.forename: Elżbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Starosławska
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Lublin, Poland: Department of Clinical Pathomorphology.
authors.forename: Justyna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Szumiło
authors.affiliation: St Johns' Oncology Center in Lublin.
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jankiewicz
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Lublin, Poland: Department of Neurology.
authors.forename: Magdalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kozłowska
authors.affiliation: St Johns' Oncology Center in Lublin; Medical University of Lublin, Poland: Humana Anatomy Department.
authors.forename: Franciszek
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Burdan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D012307:Risk Factors; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: epidemiology; non-seminomatous tumour; risk factor; seminoma; testicular tumour