Gutierrez reveals he's being treated for testicular cancer

Newcastle United has confirmed that winger Jonas Gutierrez is receiving treatment in Argentina after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The club said it has been aware of his condition for some time, but respected his wish for privacy.

Following the news that Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez is being treated for testicular cancer, ITV Tyne Tees looks at some common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.

5 common signs and symptoms of testicular cancer:

• A lump can be felt in 97% of cases and in approximately 86% of cases this will be painless. A malignant testis may not feel unduly uncomfortable or painful whereas a testis inflamed by infection will usually be very tender and painful.
• Dragging sensation 29%.
• Recent history of trauma 10%, leading to examination and discovery of a lump.
• Breast swelling or tenderness (called gynaecomastia). This is rare but may be caused by hormones, which are produced by some types of testicular cancer.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area, which have enlarged either due to spread of cancer or where infection is also present.

For more information on diagnosis, support and life after testicular cancer, you can visit the Your Privates website.

Steven Taylor has said he is "gutted" to hear that Jonas Gutierrez is being treated for testicular cancer.

Speaking to ITV Tyne Tees, Steven said:

"I am gutted and can't believe it's happened to Jonas. He was one of the fittest footballers I've worked with it. I hope our 52,000 fans sing his name on Saturday and he gets all the support he deserves."

Testicular cancer is relatively uncommon. The NHS says it accounts for just 1% of all cancers in men.

2,300 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer in the UK each year, according to Cancer Research UK.

Although relatively uncommon overall, testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect men between the ages of 15 and 49.

Rates of testicular cancer are five times higher in white men than in black men. It is not know why.

According to the NHS, the different types of testicular cancer are classified by the type of cells the cancer first begins in.

The most common type of testicular cancer (95% of cases) is ‘germ cell testicular cancer’. Germ cells help create sperm.

There are two main subtypes of germ cell testicular cancer.

They are:

• Seminomas, which account for around 40-45% of all germ cell testicular cancers
• Non-seminomas, which account for around 40-45% of all germ cell testicular cancers

Seminomas and non-seminomas respond well to chemotherapy.

Less common types of testicular cancer include:

• Leydig cell tumours, which account for around 1-3% of cases
• Sertoli cell tumours, which account for around 1% of cases
• Lymphoma, which accounts for around 4% of cases

Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrez has revealed he is having treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in his native Argentina.

The popular midfielder said he has undergone chemotherapy after having surgery following the discovery of a tumour which was first noticed last year.

The 33-year-old appeared on Argentinian TV show Indirecto looking strikingly different without his trademark long hair and beard.

"When I was told I had cancer, I went home in tears," he told the show.

He added: "This is the most difficult match I've every played. You start thinking about important things when you have problems like this one."

After revealing his battle with cancer last night, the winger used Twitter to thank fans for their messages of support.

• More on the Jonas Gutierrez story at ITV Tyne Tees

Newcastle United player Jonas Gutierrez has revealed he is having treatment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in Argentina.

He has undergone chemotherapy after having surgery.

33-year-old Gutierrez, who has made 22 appearances for his country, has admitted several national colleagues, including close friend and Newcastle team-mate Fabricio Coloccini, have been a great help.

Gutierrez joined Newcastle from Mallorca in July 2008 and became a fans' favourite when he played a starring role in helping the club win the Championship in his second season in the North East.

However, he was largely unused by manager Alan Pardew last season and was allowed to join Norwich on loan for the second half of last season, where he made his last league appearance in the Canaries' 1-0 defeat to West Brom in April.

Athletes and Newcastle United players have tweeted their support to Jonas Gutierrez after he revealed he is being treated for testicular cancer.

Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has tweeted to thank fans for their support after he revealed he's being treated for testicular cancer.

The 31-year-old had a testicle removed in Argentina and is now undergoing chemotherapy.