The male reproductive system is mostly located outside of the body. These external organs include the penis, scrotum and testicles.
Overview
There are a few different types of reproductive cancers that occur in men. The most common ones are:
- Testicular cancer – begins in the testes, the two egg-shaped glands that make sperm in the scrotum (ball sac) near the base of the penis
- Penile cancer – begins in the penis, part of the external genitals
- Prostate cancer – begins in the prostate, a gland inside the pelvis (the area in the lower belly between the hip bones) that surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder)
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
- A lump or enlargement in either testicle.
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
- A dull ache in the abdomen or groin.
- A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.
- Back pain.
Causes of Testicular Cancer
- Undescended testicles. Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) is the most significant risk factor for testicular cancer.
- Family history. Having a close relative with a history of testicular cancer or an undescended testicle increases your risk of also developing it.
- Previous testicular cancer.
Penile Cancer
Symptoms of Penile Cancer
- An area of skin becoming thicker.
- Changes in the skin color.
- A lump.
- An ulcer (sore) that might bleed.
- A reddish, velvety rash under the foreskin.
- Small, crusty bumps.
- Flat, bluish-brown growths.
- Smelly discharge (fluid) or bleeding under the foreskin.
Causes of Penile Cancer
Roughly half of all penile cancers are caused by certain types of a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are different types of HPV and some affect the genital area.
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Main causes of penile cancer
- any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area.
- vaginal, anal or oral sex.
- sharing sex toys.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
- Trouble urinating.
- Decreased force in the stream of urine.
- Blood in the urine.
- Blood in the semen.
- Bone pain.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Erectile dysfunction.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
- Older age. Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age. …
- Race. For reasons not yet determined, Black people have a greater risk of prostate cancer than do people of other races.
- Family history.
- Obesity.