Statistics..

[fabryx]

Dear Forum,

I've a question for you..
As you may remember I was diagnosed TC (Stage 1 Seminoma in late July 2007).

Now, I've discovered that my first cousin is scheduled for a biopsy next week since the urologist found 2 solid masses inside his left testicle.
Few months ago he had a testicle torsion that required surgery.. now since he had constant pain he visited the urologist that after the ultrasound is suggesting an extra scrotal biopsy.

Now.. it seems to me very unlikely that he got TC since if the percentage is 5 on 100,000 it's very unlikely that 2 are in the same family!!.. (we are cousin mother side)

Is it possible that the solid masses are depending by the previous surgery??

thanks!..

[Les' Mom]

Hi Fabryx,
First I wish you the best fighting TC.

Next, my 22 your old son has TC. I have a first cousin on my mom's side that was diagnosed when he was 17. I dont remember his type only that he had chemo and is free of cancer now after, gosh, I guess about 15 years or so.

Pam

[dadmo]

A solid mass is almost always cancer but we do get 1 or 2 people very year who have masses that turn out to not be cancer, unfortunatly the testicle needs to be removed to find that out. The family link is an odd thing, it is compelling statistical evidence for a connection but as of now no one has been able to make a genetic link. I think that will eventually happen and I do encourage everyone who has a family member with tc to be extra vigelant in their self exams.

[Fed]

The family link is an odd thing, it is compelling statistical evidence for a connection but as of now no one has been able to make a genetic link. I think that will eventually happen and I do encourage everyone who has a family member with tc to be extra vigelant in their self exams.

To add to this, I would encourage everyone that if they know of any research studies that are trying to track down the etiology of testicular cancer to sign up. I was recently part of a study carried out by Harvard Medical School and Yale Medical Center where they are trying to figure out any risk factors for TC. I had to fill out a gazillion questionaires on eating habits, exercise habits, work exposures to carcinogens (that was a doozy),... there was drew blood, got my pathology blocks, and interviewed me, my mom and my dad. It was a very thorough study, and the findings will be released sometime next year (there are about 4,000 participants). I'll keep everyone posted on this.

[fabryx]

Thanks to all for the answers!

I will keep you posted!...

Anyway the good news is that my first surveillance visit was clear :-)..

[Jay68442]

fabryx.. Congrats on your first "all clear".

[fabryx]

Just an update..

My cousin had his orchiectomy today and the result is CANCER.. it seems seminoma.

It's quite strange that he got the cancer on the same side (left).. same patology (seminoma) and he's my cousin (mother side)

it cannot be a casuality!

[ruahusker]

Interesting thread. I have heard mixed information on whether there can be a familial connection or not. For me it seems a simple answer since my father also had TC at almost the same exact age and also a seminoma.

I wonder if there is still any studies going on to investigate this link, if so, I would be interested in joining.

Steve

Just an update..

My cousin had his orchiectomy today and the result is CANCER.. it seems seminoma.

It's quite strange that he got the cancer on the same side (left).. same patology (seminoma) and he's my cousin (mother side)

it cannot be a casuality!

[Scott]

Check this link for details.