Testicular cancer (Arbuda)

Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. It forms when malignant (cancer) cells develop in the tissues of one or, less commonly, both testicles. It is the most common cancer affecting men aged 15 to 35, though it can occur at any age. Testicular cancer is highly treatable and curable, with an excellent prognosis, especially when diagnosed and treated early. Most testicular cancers originate from germ cells, which are the cells that make sperm.

Common symptoms

Painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles
Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
A testicle getting bigger or feeling firm/hard
Sudden fluid build-up in the scrotum
Shrinking testicle (testicular atrophy)
Back pain (can indicate spread)
Unexplained weight loss (can indicate spread)
Cough or difficulty breathing/swallowing (can indicate spread to lungs)
Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue (gynecomastia)

Possible causes

The exact cause is largely unknown, but it develops when germ cells in the testicles multiply abnormally to form a tumor
Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
Family history of testicular cancer (father or brother)
Age (most common in males between 15 and 35 years old)
Race and ethnicity (more common among non-Hispanic whites)
Personal history of testicular cancer in the other testicle
HIV infection, particularly AIDS
Abnormal development of the testicles
Infertility
Hypospadias
Intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) or germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS)
Some studies suggest a link with regular cannabis use, diets high in fat and red meat, or low in fruits and vegetables

Medical treatment

Surgery to remove the affected testicle (radical inguinal orchiectomy) is the most common initial treatment. A prosthetic testicle can be inserted.
Surgery to remove nearby lymph nodes (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection - RPLND) if cancer has spread or is suspected to have spread.
Chemotherapy using drugs like cisplatin, bleomycin, and etoposide to kill cancer cells, often administered intravenously in cycles. It may be used after surgery, for advanced cancer, or if cancer recurs.
Radiation therapy using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, sometimes used for seminoma type testicular cancer, especially if it has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Surveillance (careful monitoring) may be an option for some early-stage cancers.

Ayurvedic perspective

In Ayurveda, cancer, including testicular cancer, is viewed as a disruption of the body's natural balance, often referred to as 'Arbuda' (malignant tumor) or 'Granthi' (benign neoplasm) in classical texts. The primary goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to restore this balance by addressing the underlying causes. Testicular tumors are described as abnormal growths or masses within the testicles. The Ayurvedic lens explains mass formation in the testicles through Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) imbalance, Ama (toxin) accumulation, and a dominance of Vata and Kapha doshas within the classical Arbuda framework. Vata dosha is believed to drive erratic cell behavior and irregular proliferation, while Kapha dosha contributes to the solidity, heaviness, and resistance to dissolution of the mass. Disturbances in tissue nourishment (Dhatu), metabolic fire (Agni), and the interactions of Kapha and Vata are thought to create firm, deep-seated masses in the testis. Ayurvedic therapies for cancer typically involve a combination of dietary changes, herbal supplements, detoxification procedures, and lifestyle modifications.

Ayurvedic dietary guidelines

Consume freshly cooked, seasonal, and organic foods.
Include a variety of fruits (cherries, melons, dates, apples, kiwi, papaya, peaches, figs, blueberries, watermelons, banana, avocado, amla, pomegranate) and vegetables (asparagus, onions, parsley, broccoli, spinach, ash gourd, ridge gourd, carrot, mushrooms, cabbage, okra, peas, round gourd, pumpkin, lettuce, celery, zucchini, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes).
Incorporate whole grains such as buckwheat, brown rice, millets, wheat, and sorghum.
Include pulses like green gram, red lentils, and split chick peas.
Use spices known for medicinal properties, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, pepper, fennel, thyme, and cinnamon.
Ensure adequate protein intake, especially plant-based proteins.
Stay well-hydrated by drinking warm water and limiting sugary drinks and alcohol.
Avoid ultra-processed foods, late-night meals, refined flour, white rice, and refined grains.
Limit or avoid canned fruits, juices, and vegetables.
Avoid high-fat milk, yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, custard, and butter, especially for Kapha imbalances.
Refrain from black gram, horse gram, and red chilies.

Ayurvedic medicinal herbs

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Tulsi (Holy Basil) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Giloy (Guduchi / Tinospora cordifolia) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Sahajana (Moringa) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Kanchanara (Kanchanar Guggulu) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Guggulu — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Triphala — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Shatavari — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Brahmi — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Neem — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Gokshura — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb

Traditional home remedies

Herbal Teas
Warm Water with Turmeric or Lemon

Yoga asanas

Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall Pose)
Balasana (Child's Pose)
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Seated Twist

Dosha imbalance

Vata
Kapha
Pitta

Lifestyle tips

Manage stress through practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises (Pranayama).
Ensure regular sleep patterns.
Incorporate gentle exercise and physical activities into your routine.
Maintain a calm and relaxed mind, as mental well-being is crucial for physical recovery.
Seek sunlight exposure.

Classical & Scientific References

Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana & Chikitsa Sthana) — Classical Ayurvedic internal medicine compendium.
Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana & Uttara Tantra) — Surgical and foundational therapeutic treatise.
Ashtanga Hridaya (Vagbhata) — Core clinical principles and therapeutic pharmacology.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) & Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), Ministry of AYUSH.