What is the first treatment for testicular cancer?
Treatment is typically chemotherapy with 4 cycles of EP (etoposide and cisplatin) or 3 or 4 cycles of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin). Another option might be VIP (etoposide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin) for 4 cycles. Radiation therapy is generally not used for stage IIC seminoma.
How long does it take for testicular cancer to heal?
For stage 1 non-seminomas, close follow-up (surveillance) may also be recommended, or a short course of chemotherapy using a combination of different medications. For stage 2 and 3 testicular cancers, 3 to 4 cycles of chemotherapy are given using a …
How long does chemo take to work for testicular cancer?
Some of the drugs used to treat testicular cancer can cause long-term side effects. These include some of the things mentioned earlier, like hearing loss and kidney or lung damage. Development of a second cancer (like leukemia) is a very serious but rare side effect of chemo, occurring in less than 1% of testicular cancer patients treated with ...
How long does it take for testicular cancer to spread?
In recent years, a lot of progress has been made in treating testicular cancer. Surgical methods have been refined, and doctors know more about the best ways to use chemotherapy and radiation to treat different types of testicular cancer. In some cases, more than one of type of treatment might be used.
How long is chemo for testicular cancer?
How long does testicular cancer surgery take?
Can you be completely cured of testicular cancer?
Is Stage 2 testicular cancer curable?
How long do you live after testicular cancer?
How long is recovery after testicle removal?
Does testicular cancer spread quickly?
Is stage 4 testicular cancer curable?
Is testicular cancer serious?
Can you get an erection without testes?
Can you live a full life with testicular cancer?
What are 5 warning signs of testicular cancer?
- Swelling, pain or discomfort in the scrotum.
- A lump or swelling in either testicle, usually painless.
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle.
- A change in how a testicle feels.
- A dull ache or heaviness in your lower abdomen or groin.
Carcinoma in Situ (Stage 0) Testicular Tumors
In this stage, the cancer has not spread outside the testicle, and your tumor marker levels (like HCG and AFP) are not elevated. If CIS is diagnose...
Stage III Seminomas and Non-Seminomas
Even though stage III tumors have spread by the time they are found, most of them can still be cured.Both stage III seminomas and non-seminomas are...
Recurrent Testicular Cancer
If the cancer goes away with treatment and then comes back, it's said to have recurred or relapsed. If this happens, it’s usually within the first...
Sertoli Cell and Leydig Cell Tumors
Typically, radical inguinal orchiectomy is the treatment for Sertoli cell and Leydig cell tumors. Radiation therapy and chemo generally don't work...
More Treatment Information For Testicular Cancer
For more details on treatment options – including some that may not be addressed here – the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the Na...
How long does it take for testicular cancer to recur?
Most recurrences of non-seminoma testicular cancer occur within 2 years of surgery or completion of chemotherapy. In seminomas, recurrences still occur until 3 years. Recurrences after 3 years are rare, occurring in less than 5% of people.
What is the best treatment for testicular cancer?
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the 3 main treatments for testicular cancer. Your recommended treatment plan will depend on: The first treatment option for all cases of testicular cancer, whatever the stage, is to surgically remove the affected testicle (an orchidectomy).
How many cycles of chemotherapy for stage 2 testicular cancer?
For stage 2 and 3 testicular cancers, 3 to 4 cycles of chemotherapy are given using a combination of different medications. Further surgery is sometimes needed after chemotherapy to remove any affected lymph nodes or deposits in the lungs or, rarely, in the liver. Some people with stage 2 seminomas may be suitable for less intense treatment ...
Can you remove testicle cancer?
In such circumstances, it's sometimes possible to only remove the part of the testicle containing the tumour. You should ask your surgeon about this if you're in this position. If testicular cancer is detected in its very early stages, an orchidectomy may be the only treatment you require.
Can testicular cancer cause infertility?
Most people are still fertile after having 1 testicle removed. But some treatments for testicular cancer can cause infertility. Some people with testicular cancer may have low sperm counts because of changes that occur in the testicles before the cancer develops.
Can you have sperm banking for stage 2 testicular cancer?
If you're having complex chemotherapy for stage 2 and 3 testicular cancer, you should always be offered sperm banking. Ask if you're concerned about your fertility. Not all men are suitable for sperm banking. For the technique to work, the sperm has to be of a reasonably high quality.
Can testicular cancer spread to lymph nodes?
More advanced cases of testicular cancer may spread to your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of your body's immune system, which helps protect against illness and infection. Lymph node surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic. The lymph nodes in your tummy are the nodes most likely to need removing.
Does chemotherapy cure testicular cancer?
Chemo is often used to cure testicular cancer when it has spread outside the testicle. It's also used to help decrease the risk of cancer coming back after the testicle is removed. It's not used to treat cancer that's only in the testicle.
What are the side effects of testicular cancer?
Some of the drugs used to treat testicular cancer can have other side effects. For example: 1 Cisplatin and ifosfamide can cause kidney damage. This can be lessened by giving lots of fluids (usually into a vein – IV) before and after these drugs are given. 2 Cisplatin, etoposide, paclitaxel, and vinblastine can damage nerves (known as neuropathy ). This can lead to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and sensitivity to cold or heat. In most cases, this gets better once treatment is stopped, but it may last a long time in some people. 3 Cisplatin can also cause loss of hearing (called ototoxicity) 4 Bleomycin can damage the lungs, causing shortness of breath and trouble with physical activity. 5 Ifosfamide can cause the bladder to bleed (called hemorrhagic cystitis). To prevent this, the patient is given plenty of fluids and the drug mesna is given along with ifosfamide.
How does chemotherapy help with cancer?
Chemo is used to destroy any cancer cells that break off from the main tumor and travel to lymph nodes or other pats of the body. Chemo is often used to cure testicular cancer when it has spread outside the testicle. It's also used to help decrease the risk of cancer coming back after the testicle is removed.
Do chemo drugs work against cancer cells?
Chemo drugs attack cells that are dividing quickly, which is why they work against cancer cells. But other cells in the body, such as those in the bone marrow (where new blood cells are made), the lining of the mouth and intestines, and the hair follicles, also divide quickly.
Does chemo kill cancer cells?
Chemo drugs attack cells that are dividing quickly, which is why they work against cancer cells. But other cells in the body, such as those in the bone marrow (where new blood cells are made), the lining of the mouth and intestines, and the hair follicles, also divide quickly. These cells are also likely to be affected by chemo, which can lead to certain side effects.
Can testicular cancer cause fatigue?
Increased chance of infections (from having too few white blood cells) Easy bruising or bleeding (from having too few blood platelets) Fatigue (extreme tiredness, often from having too few red blood cells) Some of the drugs used to treat testicular cancer can have other side effects.
How long does chemo last?
Chemo is given in cycles, with each period of treatment followed by a rest period to allow the body time to recover. Chemo cycles generally last about 3 to 4 weeks. The main drugs used to treat testicular cancer are: Using 2 or more chemo drugs often works better than using any single drug alone.
How to treat testicular cancer?
Surgical methods have been refined, and doctors know more about the best ways to use chemotherapy and radiation to treat different types of testicular cancer. In some cases, more than one of type of treatment might be used.
Can you use chemotherapy for testicular cancer?
Surgical methods have been refined, and doctors know more about the best ways to use chemotherapy and radiation to treat different types of testicular cancer. In some cases, more than one of type of treatment might be used. Treatment Options for Testicular Cancer, by Type and Stage.
What kind of doctor treats cancer?
You may have different types of doctors on your treatment team, depending on the stage of your cancer and your treatment options. These doctors may include: 1 A urologist: a surgeon who specializes in treating diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system 2 A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy 3 A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines like chemotherapy
What is the number to call for cancer treatment?
Call our National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-227-2345 and speak with one of our trained specialists. Palliative Care. Find Support Programs and Services in Your Area.
What is the difference between a urologist and a radiation oncologist?
A urologist: a surgeon who specializes in treating diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system. A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy. A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines like chemotherapy. You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, ...
Why are clinical trials important?
Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.
Is treatment information given here official?
The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor. Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting ...
Can testicular cancer be cured?
Type of cancer. Size of the tumor. Number and size of retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Testicular cancer can usually be cured in patients who receive ad juvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy after their primary treatment .
How to treat stage 2 testicular cancer?
Treatment of seminoma may include the following: When the tumor is 5 centimeters or smaller: Surgery to remove the testicle, followed by radiation therapy to lymph nodes in the abdomen and pelvis.
What is testicular cancer?
Key Points. Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles. Health history can affect the risk of testicular cancer. Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include swelling or discomfort in the scrotum. Tests that examine the testicles and blood are used to detect (find) ...
Is a testicular tumor a nonseminoma?
Seminomas are more sensitive to radiation. A testicular tumor that contains both seminoma and nonseminoma cells is treated as a nonseminoma. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men 20 to 35 years old.
Does history affect testicular cancer?
Health history can affect the risk of testicular cancer. Anything that increases the chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk.
Can testicular cancer cause infertility?
Treatment for testicular cancer can cause infertility. Certain treatments for testicular cancer can cause infertility that may be permanent. Patients who may wish to have children should consider sperm banking before having treatment. Sperm banking is the process of freezing sperm and storing it for later use.
What is the process used to find out if cancer has spread within the testicles or to other parts of the
The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the testicles or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment.
Do you have to have lymph nodes removed for testicular cancer?
Not all people with testicular cancer need to have lymph nodes removed, so it’s important to discuss this (and options to it) with your doctor. This is a complex and long operation. In most cases, a large incision (cut) is made down the middle of the abdomen to remove the lymph nodes.
Can testicular cancer affect men?
Testicular cancer often affects men at an age when they might be trying to have children. These men may wish to discuss nerve-sparing surgery with their doctors, as well as sperm banking (freezing and storing sperm cells obtained before treatment).
Can you have a testicular prosthesis implanted in your scrotum?
To restore a more natural look, a man can have a testicular prosthesis surgically implanted in his scrotum. The prosthesis approved for use in the United States is filled with saline (salt water) and comes in different sizes to match the remaining testicle. When in place, it can look like a normal testicle.
Can a man have a scar after a testicular prosthesis?
There can be a scar after the operation, but it’s often partly hidden by pubic hair. Some men might want a prosthesis, while others might not. You should discuss your wishes with your surgeon before surgery. It could also help to talk with someone who has a testicular prosthesis, to hear what it has been like for them.
What is the spermatic cord?
The spermatic cord contains part of the vas deferens, as well as blood and lymph vessels that could act as pathways for testicular cancer to spread to the rest of the body. To lessen the chance of this, these vessels are tied off early in the operation. All testicular cancers are typically treated with this surgery, even those that have spread.
Can you have lymph nodes removed at the same time as an orchiectomy?
Depending on the type and stage of your cancer, lymph nodes around the large blood vessels (the aorta and inferior vena cava) at the back of the abdomen (belly) may be removed at the same time as the orchiectomy or during a second operation. Not all people with testicular cancer need to have lymph nodes removed, ...
How is laparoscopic surgery done?
In laparoscopic surgery, after being put to sleep, you're turned onto your side. Several small incisions are made on your abdomen. The laparoscope and surgical tools are put in through the incisions to remove the lymph nodes. The incisions are then closed and you're woken up.
Can testicular cancer be prevented?
There is usually no way to prevent testicular cancer. Some doctors recommend regular self-examination of the testicles to identify early stage testicular cancer. But not all doctors agree. Discuss the testicular self-examination with your doctor. If you are not shy about this, then of course you should consult a doctor.
What causes testicular cancer?
Healthy cells grow and divide in a gradual way for your body to function normally. But sometimes some cells develop abnormalities, causing this growth to go out of control – these cancer cells continue to divide even when new cells are no longer needed. The accumulation cells form a group in the testicle.
Understanding Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in males in the United States between the age range of 30-50 years even though this form of cancer is quite rare when compared to other types of cancer. The testicle is a part of the male reproductive system and produces sperms and testosterone which is a sex hormone.
How Long Can One Live With Testicular Cancer?
Coming to the survival rate of individuals with Testicular Cancer, the 5 year survival rate is approximately more than 95%. This percentage increases substantially if testicular cancer is diagnosed in its early stages. However, the percentage of survival rate dips slightly in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
