Home Remedies and Herbs for Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a disease that affects a male’s testicles. These are the male’s sex glands that produce testosterone and sperm. Testicular cancer occurs where testicular cells become abnormal and continue to grow or multiply at an uncontrolled rate. This causes cells to accumulate and form a mass or a tumor in the testicles. ^1,2
 
Nearly all testicular cancers begin in the germ cells. These are cells in the testicles that produce immature sperm. Young sperm then travel through a network of tiny tubes called tubules and into the larger tubes of the epididymis where they’re stored and allowed to mature. ³
 
There are two main types of testicular cancer that grow from germ cells:

• Seminoma is a slow-growing form of testicular cancer that usually stays in the testicles. Occasionally, it spreads to the lymph nodes. Seminomas are easily treated and can be completely cured if caught in time.
• Nonseminoma is a faster-growing form of testicular cancer and can be very aggressive. This is the more common form of testicular cancer and is lethal if left untreated.

Testicle tumors can be benign where they grow but don’t spread to other body parts or they can be malignant where they metastasize and cause cancerous tumors in other places. ^1,2
 
There are four stages of testicular cancer and five standard types of treatment. Cancer is rated as stages 0-3, with 3 being the most serious. Treatments used for testicular cancer include surveillance, radiation, chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant, and surgery. ¹
 
Follow-up treatment is always recommended as testicular cancer has a high rate of reoccurrence. ¹
 
Testicular cancer usually only affects one testicle and not both. ²

What Causes Testicular Cancer
 
As is common with most forms of cancers, the exact testicular cancer causes are not precisely known. There are certain risk factors that predict a possibility of testicular cancer occurring. They include: 

• Having an undescended testicle
• Having abnormal testicle development
• Personal history of testicular cancer that reoccurs
• Family history of testicular cancer
• Being Caucasian and between the ages of 20 to 35 years old
• HIV infections

Testicular cancer can lead to infertility and there is no link between vasectomies and testicular cancer. ^1,3,4
 
Testicular Cancer Symptoms
 
Testicular cancer signs are often not apparent until the disease has taken hold and advanced. It’s important to perform self-examinations to monitor for any testicular cancer signs. Testicular cancer symptoms to watch for include: 

• Lumps or enlargements in the testicles
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain and discomfort in the testicles and scrotum
• Back pain

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Testicular Cancer
 
Testicular cancer natural remedies include:

• Garlic - Garlic has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that work through the immune system. Garlic can be eaten raw or commonly added while cooking food when used in testicular cancer natural remedies.
• Curcumin - Curcumin is the ingredient in turmeric that is so effective in treating many ailments, including certain forms of cancer. Curcumin can prevent testicular cancer and keep an existing tumor controlled from spreading.
• Cannabis - Research is proving that cannabis products are effective in fighting testicular cancer symptoms and relieving chronic pain. Cannabis can be smoked or eaten with foods.
• Grape Seed Extract - Grape seed extract is a natural home treatment that contains a powerful antioxidant that is high in proanthocyanidins that help fight testicular cancer cells.
• Turmeric - Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin that is a natural anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agent used to treat testicular symptoms and other cancers.
• Cat’s Claw - Cat’s claw is a natural herb that’s been used in indigenous medicine for thousands of years. Alkaloids are the chemical compounds in cat’s claw that have been found to be effective treatments for testicular cancer.

References

1. http://www.medicinenet.com/testicular_cancer/article.htm
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer/basics/definition/con-20043068
3. https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/patient/testicular-treatment-pdq
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/testicular-cancer