More and more testicular cancer due to mobile phone radiation?

Testicular cancer: is mobile phone blame?
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the 15- to 25-year-old age group. A recent study from the US concludes that the number of testicular cancer cases has risen in recent years. Whereas in the past, there were six diseases in 100,000 men, today there are already seven. A scientifically proven explanation for this is yet to come, but experts associate the spread of cell phones with the increase in testicular cancer cases. The World Health Organization also classifies the cell phone payment as "potentially carcinogenic.".

More and more testicular cancer cases in Germany. (Image: joshya / fotolia.com)

"How dangerous it is to carry smartphones & Co. in your trouser pocket can not be answered today," explains urologist Dr. med. Reinhold Schaefer from the Uro GmbH Nordrhein the problem. "It is the task of research to answer this question in the next few years." In addition to genetic predispositions, already known risk factors include undescended testicles in early childhood, which remained untreated for a long time. Some studies also suggest that frequent cannabis use favors testicular cancer. The treacherous thing about cancer is that sufferers usually do not notice any changes to the testicles or feel any pain. "Since tumors of the testes are most likely to be palpated, the regular self-examination in the matter of early detection of testicular cancer comes first," explains Dr. med. Shepherd. For sensitive testes, fluid retention, or palpable nodules, urologist should be consulted. He ultrasonically examines the testicles, takes tissue samples and performs blood tests.

If the testicular cancer is detected early, there are good chances of recovery. The course of therapy in turn depends on the stage of testicular cancer. If a tumor occupies less than 30% of the testicle, surgery is given to the testes. If this size is exceeded, urologists remove the affected testicles. Patients only lose fertility by removing both testes, which is seldom the case. Experts estimate a cure for testicular cancer as good.

In addition to testicular cancer cell phones are also blamed for reduced fertility. "This fear seems to be unfounded according to the current scientific status," says Dr. Shepherd. "As with warmth by seat heating or the use of laptops on the lap, mobile phones in the trouser pocket may experience increased heat development." Testicles, on the other hand, can not withstand strong heat. Dr. Schaefer adds: "For serious damage, however, it would take weeks or even months to permanently overheat." (Pm)