Testicular Self-Examination (TSE)
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men ages 20 to 35. Yet, because it accounts for only about 1 percent of all cancers in men, many people have never heard of this type of cancer.
Testicular cancer is of special concern to young men. It can occur anytime after age 15. It is less common in middle-aged and older men. White men are four times more likely to develop testicular cancer than black men. The rate among Hispanic men lies between those of blacks and whites.
Two groups of men have a greater risk of developing testicular cancer-those whose testicles have not descended into the scrotum and those whose testicles descended after age 6. Testicular cancer is 3 to 17 times more likely to develop in these men.
Testicles are male reproductive organs. They produce and store sperm. They also produce testosterone, a hormone that causes such male traits as facial hair and lower voice pitch. Testicles are smooth, oval-shaped, and somewhat firm to the touch. They are below the penis in a sac of skin called the scrotum.
The testicles normally descend into the scrotum before birth. Parents should have their infant sons examined by a doctor to be sure that the testicles have properly descended. If they have not, this can be easily corrected with surgery.
Fifteen years ago, testicular cancer was often fatal because it spread quickly to vital organs such as the lungs. Today, due to advances in treatment, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers, especially if detected and treated promptly.
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a small, painless lump in a testicle or a slightly enlarged testicle. It is important for men to become familiar with the size and feeling of their normal testicles, so that they can detect changes if they occur.
Other possible symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower stomach or groin, a change in the way a testicle feels, or a sudden accumulation of blood or fluid in the scrotum. These symptoms can also be caused by infections or other conditions that are not cancer. A doctor can tell you if you have cancer and what the proper treatment should be.
How To Do TSE (testicular self examination
A simple procedure called testicular selfexam (TSE) can increase the chances of finding a tumor early.
Men should perform TSE once a month after a warm bath or shower. The heat causes the scrotal skin to relax, making it easier to find anything unusual. TSE is simple and only takes a few minutes:
* Examine each testicle gently with both hands. The index and middle fingers should be placed underneath the testicle while the thumbs are placed on the top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers. One testicle may be larger than the other. This is normal.
* The epididymis is a cord-like structure on the top and back of the testicle that stores and transports the sperm. Do not confuse the epididymis with an abnormal lump.
* Feel for any abnormal lumps-about the size of a pea-on the front or the side of the testicle. These lumps are usually painless.
If you do find a lump, you should contact your doctor right away. The lump may be due to an infection, and a doctor can decide the proper treatment. If the lump is not an infection, it is likely to be cancer. Remember that testicular cancer is highly curable, especially when detected and treated early. Testicular cancer almost always occurs in only one testicle, and the other testicle is all that is needed for full sexual function.
Routine testicular self-exams are important, but they cannot substitute for a doctor's examination. Your doctor should examine your testicles when you have a physical exam. You also can ask your doctor to check the way you do TSE.
Reprint: National Cancer Institute
NIH Publication No. 94-2636
Intermittent self catheterization
Clean intermittent self catheterization has been widely used for many problems that result in inadequate bladder emptying (e.g, spinal cord injury, closed bladder extrophy, tumors, myelo meningocele).
There are several advantages and health benefits to Intermittent Catheterization.
* It prevents the bladder from becoming overfilled and losing its muscle tone.
* It eliminates the problem of residual urine (urine that remains in the bladder even after it has emptied), thus preventing possible bacterial growth and bladder infections.
* By completely emptying the bladder, the intermittent catheter diminishes the occurrence of wetting accidents, allowing your child to enjoy a more active, confident, and healthy lifestyle.
Intermittent Self-Catheterization
For many children, self catheterizing intermittently provides a convenient, clean, and comfortable method to prevent or diminish urine retention problems. With just a little practice, most children can easily learn to use the system themselves.
The method involves the periodic insertion of a hollow plastic tube (a catheter such as Mentor’s Self Cath® product) into the urethra, past the sphincter muscle, and into the bladder. Because the catheter is hollow, urine will flow through it and the bladder will empty. This process must be done at regular intervals, and is most effective if done on a set schedule each day.
If your child has good dexterity, flexibility, coordination, and an understanding of the procedure, he or she will be ready to self-catheterize. Many children as young as four or five have been taught self-catheterization. Your child will be evaluated by a urology nurse. If he or she seems ready to learn the procedure, your nurse will help you and your child learn self-catheterization.
The technique is easily learned by children. It may take time for girls to locate the proper opening. Trial and error, as well as your guidance, will be helpful until they become accustomed to it. It is advised that girls use a mirror initially; however, this is discouraged later to avoid the development of dependency on the mirror. Within a short period of time, girls become competent with guiding the catheter into the urethra by touch.
It will take practice for you to learn how to catheterize your child or for your child to catheterize himself or herself. However, it is important to remember that thousands of children have learned this technique and catheterize every day.
Frequency of catheterization will be prescribed by your physician or nurse. Normally, catheterization is performed every four hours. It can be done more frequently, but your child should never go more than four hours without being catheterized. Your child should catheterize, or be catheterized, first thing in the morning and every four hours until bedtime. It is not necessary to catheterize during the night. For school-age children, it is very important that the schedule be continued throughout the day. The school nurse should be informed of your child’s schedule so that assistance is available if necessary.
Pediatric Intermittent Self-Catheters
Material Reprinted
Courtesty of Mentor Corp.
Santa Barbara, CA
© 2003 Mentor. All Rights Reserved.
www.mentorcorp.com
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