Q) Q1 Are tumors always cancerous?
A1 No. In fact, most are benign (non-cancerous).

Q) Q2 What does it mean for a tumor to be benign or malignant?
A2 A malignant tumor (or cancer) occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

A benign tumor (non-cancerous) does not grow in an unlimited, aggressive manner, does not invade surrounding tissues and does not spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

Q) Q4 What is Radiation Therapy?
A4 Radiation Therapy (also called radiotherapy, cobalt treatment, or irradiation) uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Like surgery, radiation therapy is a local treatment, only affecting cells in the treated area.

Q) Q5 What is Chemotherapy?
A5 Chemotherapy is the use of specialized drugs to treat cancer. It is used when there are signs that the cancer has spread or when the doctor suspects that cancer remains after surgery or radiation.

Q) Q6 What precautions can I take that may decrease my risk of getting cancer?
A6 Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising regularly, avoiding exposure to the sun, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption on a daily basis may decrease your chances of getting a disease like cancer.

Q) I was wondering of the size of any bumps, and how hard they are is important thanks.
A lump of ANY size (even if very small) and ANY consistency (hard, soft, boggy, etc) should be investigated. It is advised that you see your doctor.

Q) Why on the left side of the scrotumn a hard area fills hard and ridgid? Could it be surgery has occured or what?
The hard and rigid area you are feeling on the left side of the scrotum could be a normal finding, the epididymis. This coil-like structure contain ducts that store and transport sperm from the testis and into the urethra. In each testis, you should feel it at the back of the testis. It feels nodular (lumpy) and like a twisted cord. Pressure on the testis normally produces pain. However, if you have observed a change in how this rigid area feels(size. shape, change in pain, swelling) it is strongly advised that you seek a health professional's assessment.

Q) i have a lump on my right testicle i am woried. and when i masturbate i cannot produce semen.i am growing very unesey pleas help me/thankyou and i am 13 years old
Thank you for writing to us. I certainly can understand your concern. Please know that lumps and bumps on testicles are not always a sign of cancer but it would be best if you saw a general practitioner, family doctor or nurse practitioner to find out why they are there. At the same time, you can bring up your other concern. There again, you should know that not all masturbation leads to orgasm and that not all orgasms result in ejaculation (semen production). The best thing you can do is to have this checked out by medical personnel.

Q) what is the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Thank you for your question. The answer however is not that simple! To provide an answer to a patient, the hemato-oncologist takes into account so many factors such as age of the patient, other disease processes that are going on as well as the extent of the disease. And, to add to all of this, he/she also considers the overall performance status of the patient. So, to get a very general idea regarding survival statistics, I would like to suggest some reading. For the 2009 statistics on survival from the Canadian Cancer Society, you can consult http://www.cancer.ca/Quebec/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics.aspx?sc_lang=en&r=1 and for the American Cancer Society statistics on survival, please read http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/STT_0.asp

Q) i dont have a lump or anyuthing....but i just feel liek something isnt right. should i go to the doctor and 'get tested'? what do i say/what am i asking for? im a bit uncomfortable as our gp is a woman and a family friend. (im a teenage male) im not sure if its just fear but i feel like it would be better to just get tested and now, as ever since i saw this website a year ago i have beee stressed. also, is it normal for one testicle to go 'up' when i ejaculate and even sometimes before i do? also.....pls explain/thnx so much!!!
If you have a concern about your health, it is advisable that you see a health provider to discuss your concern so that advice/treatment can be given. It is difficult to accurately identify the problem you are having through this web posting. If you are uncomfortable with seeing your doctor, then other options for you are to visit a Walk-In Clinic or a Sexual Health Clinic, esp if you live in St. John's/Mt Pearl area.

Q) after my first baby (12 years ago) my breast never were the same, they are saggy and have many lumps which move around easily. the lumps are not painful, but with in the last couple of days, i have noticed one lump with is diiferent, it is shaped different and the lump is much larger. could it just be becasue my period is coming or is this cause for concern?
Although the majority of breast lumps are found to be noncancerous, it should be considered a concern until you have been assessed by a health provider. I recommend that you see your health provider as soon as is convenient for you.

Q) Hello My son is 17 years old and has had a swollen lymph node in the right auxillary for 21 weeks. Another on the right side of his neck close to the jugular, now 19 weeks. Another cropped up in the left auxillary now 17 weeks. Yhe biospy on the right auxillary and the right side of neck came back active lymph node. We were told that if they get bigger, change shape or get rubbery to call the doctor right away. I am unsure what they mean by rubbery. He is 6 feet tall and 150 lbs. He has lost 2 lbs now and is tired all the time and not that hungry. Mono has been ruled out. Swelling around the lump on the neck occurs and you can see it pulsating. We are to see an ENT in 2 weeks. Is there anything to be consirded about or trust the doctor that there is nothing to worry about. Thank you for your time
It sounds like you are already on the right track and I applaud the steps you have taken so far. It's always good to ask questions any time you are concerned, and if there is something you don't understand or an answer you are not satisfied with, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion too. Because your son is being followed by medicine and waiting for a specialist appointment, I don't feel that I can provide much further. We can not provide the medical advice doctors would give you, but I would continue to be diligent, and I can also touch on the "rubbery" term - If the lymph node(s) feels hard, like a rubber ball, in its consistency, texture & elasticity, this could be serious sign so seeing a physician (or more than one) is the best thing you can do. All the best to you, and be well.

Q) I have a lump in my right breast and pain when I touch it. Is this a sign or cancer; should I meet with a doctor?
Thank you for your question! A lump in the breast should always be assessed by your health provider to determine the most appropriate course of action. Breast lumps that are tender, along with redness/swelling in the area, are often caused by infection and are not cancerous. However, it is always important to see a professional.

Q) Q1 What is it?
A1 Breast cancer is a disease in which cells become malignant (cancerous) in one or both breasts. Breast tissue covers an area larger than just the breast. It extends up to the collarbone and from the armpit across to the breastbone in the centre of the chest.

Q) Q3 Can men get it?
A3 Yes, but rarely. Less than 1% of all cases occur in men.

Q) Q4 What are some signs and symptoms to watch for?
A4 Through regular monthly examination of your breasts (breast self-examination or BSE) look and feel for lumps or swelling in the breasts or armpit areas, dimpling, puckering or warmth of the skin overlying the breasts, any change in size, shape, texture or color of the breasts, as well as nipple changes such as an inverted nipple (turned inward), crusting or discharge. Checking your breasts every month will help you become familiar with how they look and feel. This will make it easier to recognize any changes. If you detect any changes, it is important that you tell your doctor.

Q) Q6 What increases my risk of getting it?
A6 1) If you are a woman;

2) If you are of increasing age;

3) If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

However, breast cancer can occur in women without any identifiable risk factors.

Q) Q6 What about smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs?
A6 Alcohol use has been identified as a risk factor for breast cancer. There is no evidence that smoking or street drug use is linked to breast cancer. However, this does not mean that these behaviours are safe.

Q) Q7 If my mother has breast cancer, am I at an increased risk of getting the disease?
A7 Of all cases of breast cancer, only 5% are hereditary. Research has shown that genetic factors make some families more susceptible to developing breast cancer than others. If your mother has breast cancer that was diagnosed before menopause, you may be at an increased risk. However, genetic testing is recommended to determine your personal risk level.

Q) Q8 Does a breast cancer diagnosis necessarily mean the removal of one or more breasts?
A8 Most patients with breast cancer require surgery to remove the cancer from the breast that is affected. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the entire breast, but, removal of the lump only (called breast-conserving surgery) may be appropriate. Some of the lymph nodes under the arm may be removed as well and examined under a microscope to see if they contain cancer cells.

Q) If I have to have one or both breasts removed, can I still breast feed?
Breast feeding is safe after breast cancer, to you and to your baby. If you had radiation to the breast, your breast will not be able to make a significant amount of milk, however, it is safe to allow your baby to suckle on that breast to give your other breast a rest. If you have had a mastectomy (breast removal), and only have one breast remaining, that breast can compensate very well.

Q) I've heard before that this is normal, and nothing to be worried about, but I figured while I was here I might as well ask anyways. I have one breast thats slightly bigger than the other, but it's not like lumpy... or anything, thats not going to be an issue or a problem is it?
It is indeed normal that one breast slightly larger than the other. Most of us have this! However, it is important to note if it has always been that way or is it a recent development. If recent, and if there are other problems such as change in the size, color or shape of the nipple, or breast tissue looks puckered, irregular, or if breasts do not feel smooth when you run your hands down over them, it might warrant seeing a health provider for further assessment.

Q) I am having pain in both my breasts for 10 days. It is mostly near the nipple area... sometimes the pain is sharp please advice at the earliest, thank you.
Pain in the breasts can be caused by hormonal changes and can occur a few days prior to menstruation. Sometimes the pain continues during the menstrual period. Other causes of breast pain are infection/inflammation, breast cysts or fibrocystic changes. It is important to rule out the presence of a breast lump but breast pain is not a common symptom of cancer. Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can provide relief from the pain. See this website by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada for more information and contact your health provider as needed. http://www.sogc.org/health/health-breast_e.asp#causes

Q) My right breast is bigger than the left and I have milky and yellow color discharge from both nipples and I have a pain in my underarm and breast. Is it normal or serious and is it normal to have one breast larger than another? Please help me.
Although a slight difference in size of breasts may be normal, if the difference is very noticable/significant, then it may be caused by an infection/inflammation or a breast growth/cyst/tumor. In this case, especially if pain is present, it should be assessed. Having discharge from the nipples is not normal and should be assessed by a health provider.

Q) What is the right time to check our breast (before periods or after) and at what age there is there more risk to have breast cancer?
Instead of the traditional technique of moving your fingers around the breast in a circular patten and examining your breasts monthly after your menstrual period that has been taught for many years, experts now agree that: "Women -- beginning in their 20s -- should become more aware of the overall health of their breasts throughout the month. For women between the ages of 40 and 69 years, clinical examinations in the doctor's office and mammograms are the best ways to detect this deadly disease in the crucial early stages. The Canadian Cancer Society says all women should watch for the following changes in their breasts and consult their physicians if they notice: - A lump or swelling in the breast or armpit. - A change in shape or size. - Dimpling or puckering of the skin. - A nipple turning inward. - Discharge, crusting or scaling on the nipple The Canadian Cancer Society is a reliable, reputable, accurate website where you can increase your knowledge about the disease. Here is the link. http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/Prevention/Get%20screened/Early%20detection%20and%20screening%20for%20breast%20cancer.aspx?sc_lang=en

Q) I am 31, and my periods started in the age of 13 and since than I am suffering from period irregularity and very painful periods.I have had two kids with normal delivery. But in the past 2 yrs I've been having pain in my breast and the size has also increased 8 to 10 days before my periods and after bleeding starts it comes in the normal position, is it a risk in the feature?
Your question is a complex one that is best addressed in a visit to your doctor or other health provider. More information (history of the problem you are having and a physical examination) is needed to help determine the best method of treatment. It is advisable that you make an appointment soon so that the discomfort you are having can be alleviated.

Q) For a week I have had a tingling sensation in my left part of the body (above the abdomen), my left hand and shoulder, and left breast , I tried self examining, and there are no symptoms visible of a cancer. Should I be worried and get examined by a doctor? The sensation is sometimes mixed with pain.
A tingling sensation on the left side of the body may be indicative of different problems depending on your age, gender, past medical history, family history, etc. I advise you to see your doctor or nurse practitioner who will ask you questions about the complaint and examine you to determine what may be causing the problem. At times, lab tests and/or xrays or scans may be necessary before an accurate diagnosis is made.

Q) Is it normal or not if we have one nipple boundary slightly larger than the other and the colour of it is lighter than the other?
If the nipple boundary and color has changed in recent months, then it may be of concern and it should be assessed by a doctor/nurse practitioner. If this has always been different, then it is more likely to be normal. If, however, you are concerned, it is best to visit your doctor/nurse practitioner as soon as possible.

Q) Tenderness in breast after my period; yellowish discharge from the nipples. I used a "morning after pill" this month, could this be the cause?
I encourage you to consider the following questions and take the answers to your doctor: How long has the discharge been occurring? Is it one breast or both breasts? Is the discharge produced when pressure is applied or is it spontaneous? Do one or both breasts feel tender after menses and for how long? Can you feel a hard area or mass? Do you have a history of breast cysts or fibroadenoma? Are the symptoms always in relation to menses (occurring after each period and then subsiding)? Are you taking the oral contraceptive pill? This is unlikely to occur after taking the "morning after pill" . Because this is very difficult to make a decision about with this information provided, it is best to see your health provider.

Q) Q1 What is it?
A1 Testicular cancer is a disease in which cells become malignant (cancerous) in one or both testicles. The testicles (also called testes or gonads) are a pair of male sex glands. They produce and store sperm and are the main source of testosterone (male hormones) in men. These hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and other male physical characteristics. The testicles are located under the penis in a sac-like pouch called the scrotum.

Q) Q4 What increases my risk of getting it?
A4 1) If one or both of your testicles did not move down from the abdomen into the scrotum at birth (undescended testicle(s). The risk remains even if surgery was done to correct it.

2) If you have had testicular cancer in one testicle, you are at risk of developing it in the other testicle;

3) If there is a family history of testicular cancer;

4) If you were born with abnormalities of the penis, kidneys or testicles as well as inguinal (groin) hernia. However, young men without these risk factors can also be diagnosed.

Q) Q5 What about smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs?
A5 Smoking (cigarettes, cigars) alone causes one third of all cancer deaths in Canada. There is no clear evidence that smoking or alcohol causes testicular cancer specifically. However, experts advise smoking cessation (quitting) and limiting alcohol intake to promote a healthy lifestyle. There is no clear evidence that street drugs cause testicular cancer, however, this does not mean that using drugs is safe.

Q) Q6 Will getting injured in the testicles during sports increase my risk?
A6 Some men with testicular cancer have experienced prior trauma to the testes but it is unknown if this is a cause of the cancer or if the trauma only brings attention to a pre-existing cancer.

Q) Q8 Does a testicular cancer diagnosis necessarily mean the removal of one or more testicles?
A8 Not necessarily. Sometimes testicular cancer can be treated without surgery. When surgery is necessary, it may be that only one testicle has to be removed depending on where the cancer is.

Q) Q9 If I have a testicle removed, can I still have kids?
A9 It is unlikely that having one testicle removed will cause infertility but there is a small risk so, if you have a testicle removed for cancer it is recommended that you talk to your doctor BEFORE treatment concerning sperm storage (going to a sperm bank).

Q) If I have a testicle removed, can I still have sex?
Many men worry that losing one testicle will affect their ability to have sex or will make them sterile or impotent. However, a man with one healthy testicle can still have a normal erection and can still produce sperm. Therefore, removing one testicle does not make a patient impotent and seldom interferes with fertility. Nevertheless, it still is surgery, and in order to avoid complications like a hernia, it is advised that men wait a couple of weeks before attempting intercourse.

Q) my right testicle has never gotten bigger and my scrotom will not grow hair and my penis is small still
Thanks for your anonymous question! It is difficult to answer, however, because of insufficient information. For example, depending on your age, these signs could mean delayed puberty. This could be hormonally related or perhaps there is a family history? A clinician (doctor) would need to visually and physically assess you to determine this. If you have no lesions, hardness, pain, etc. there is NO reason to think it is testicular cancer! However, I would advise to see a doctor/nurse practitioner for a complete assessment. In the mean time, you can let us know if you have any more questions!

Q) Hey. I've been having pains at my bottom area. To be more specific, my testicles. I was just walking around one day and i felt this pain on my right testicle. I thought it was something normal and i thought it will go off in a few days. And the worst part is that everytime i ejaculate now, the color of my sperm seems odd. It's yellowish + red spots. It doesn't smell wierd. Just the color freaks me out. What could this be and how do I cure it? Please help me.
Thank you for your important question. Your symptoms of pain and discolored semen are not a normal occurrence. You should seek medical attention for this problem.

Q) Hi, I found a lump on my testicle. There is a family history of it. I went to my doctor and he looked at it and he said it felt fine, but I could see a urologist if I wanted to. I also had my pituritory gland checked by a blood test, and it turned out okay. Should I continue to worry? It hasnt grown since then (its been years) D.
To respond to your question, it's great that you have already sought advice from a family doctor. An assessment can't really be given without examining the lump. If your doctor has suggested you may see a urologist though, you should follow his advice and do this as well just to be safe, especially if there is a family history of testicular cancer or of benign lumps.

Q) what does it mean when your testes are lumpy?
To answer your question, some parts of testes can feel lumpy, for example, at the back and top of the testes where the epididymis is located. This is normal! The most important factor to keep in mind is to take note of any CHANGE in size, appearance, feel, color, etc. of your testes from one exam to the next. Here is a good site where you can read about factors that are important to look for when examining your testes: http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html If you note any changes such as those listed on the attached website, visit a clinician for an assessment without delay.

Q) I have had lumps and bumps on my left testicle for about 4 months now with no pain, and never got it checked out. it is bigger than my right one. but recently ive been getting shape pains in my groin area. is this normal? or should i get this checked? Thanks!
You've done the right thing in asking. Lumps and bumps are always a concern, especially if you know they haven't resulted from injury. And, on testicles, lumps and bumps are not a normal thing. Pain too is not normal. Do get yourself checked out by a doctor as soon as you can. Bravo for the self-examination!

Q) i was wondering if haveing a piece of skin that connects your forskin to the head of your penis is normal, its like a "tether" that connects it, so when you pull back your forskin, your head gets pulled down...... idk, its hard to explain lol....... and kind of embarassing i may add lol this wont affect my future sexual relations will it?
You describe your concern well. It appears you are referring to the frenulum which is a connecting membrane on the underside of the penis that connects the foreskin with the penis at the top (head). A similiar frenulum is located under your tongue that connects the tongue with the floor of the mouth. This " piece of skin" is a normal part of the anatomy of the penis. Because I may have misunderstood your question, I advise you to always seek a medical assessment when you experience unusual symptoms such as lumps, pain/tenderness, redness or swelling.

Q) im 40 years old and im a male should i be concerned about testicular cancer
As health professionals, we can never advise that, because of age or other factors, one should never be concerned about getting cancer. We can, though, advise people to pay attention to the incidence, prevalence and the related risk factors of that cancer . The National Cancer Institute states the following: Testicular cancer accounts for only 1 percent of all cancers in men in the United States. About 8,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer, and about 390 men die of this disease each year (1). Testicular cancer occurs most often in men between the ages of 20 and 39, and is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 34. I am adding a link to the National Cancer Institute website where you will find more information including a list of risk factors for testicular cancer. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/testicular

Q) I have a lump on the top of my right testicle. I had an exmainiation of my family doctor, but at the time of the examination he never really managed to feel it properly. My sex drive is ok, but not as high as when i was 18-21. I am now 22. The lump feels like a hard vein on the top of my right testicle. It only hurts when it is messed with. My right testicle is slightly larger than the left. Please advise if my symtons are normal? Thank You.
Hi and thanks for your question. It is not unusual for one testicle to be larger than the other. The lump palpated might be a normal part of the testicle called the epididymis. At times, infection can cause the epididymis to be swollen and tender. If so, antibiotics may be needed. Sex drive can be affected by a number of factors, including physical factors like discomfort during sex. It is advisable to see your health provider if this problem has not subsided.