Treatment FAQ

how long is testicular cancer treatment

by Dr. Judson Homenick III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A cycle of chemotherapy for testicular cancer typically lasts 3 weeks. Testicular cancer may be treated with 1 to 4 cycles of chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer. During treatment, a patient may receive 1 drug at a time or a combination of different drugs given at the same time.

Medication

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. Non-seminomas Stage I non-seminomas

Procedures

Jan 26, 2022 · How long can you survive with testicular cancer? According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the 5-year survival rate for men with testicular cancer is 95%. Survival rates are higher for early-stage cancer and lower for later-stage cancer.

Therapy

Feb 12, 2016 · Radiation treatment and some of the chemo drugs commonly used for testicular cancer have side effects. Some may last for a few weeks to months, but others can last the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor about long-term side effects you should watch for.

Nutrition

Chemo cycles generally last about 3 to 4 weeks. The main drugs used to treat testicular cancer are: Cisplatin Etoposide (VP-16) Bleomycin Ifosfamide (Ifex ®) Paclitaxel (Taxol ®) Vinblastine Using 2 or more chemo drugs often works better than using any single drug alone.

What is the treatment for testicular cancer?

May 17, 2018 · Radical inguinal orchiectomy. Surgery to remove a testicle with cancer is called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. An incision (cut) is made just above the pubic area, and the testicle is gently removed from the scrotum through the opening. The surgeon then removes the entire tumor along with the testicle and spermatic cord.

What is the prognosis for testicular cancer?

Jan 21, 2019 · Post surgical procedures, chemotherapy with 4 cycles of EP or, 3 or 4 cycles of BEP is given. Survival rate: The 5 year survival rate is the number of patients out of every 100 diagnosed, who have survived 5 years after being diagnosed …

How long do chemo cycles last for testicular cancer?

The outlook for testicular cancer is one of the best for all cancers. Nearly all men survive their disease. more than 95 out of 100 men (more than 95%) will survive their cancer for 1 year or more after they are diagnosed. around 90 out of 100 men (around 90%) will survive their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis.

Can testicular cancer come back after treatment?

Jun 29, 2018 · Advertisement The 5 year survival rate for individuals with Testicular Cancer confined to the testicles is almost 100% with treatment. In cases where the cancer has spread to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes in the abdominal region, then the survival rate decreases slightly at about 94% depending on the size of the tumor cells.

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How long does testicular cancer surgery take?

The operation usually takes about 6 hours. But this kind of surgery is less common than it used to be. Laparoscopic surgery: Doctors today are more likely to take out lymph nodes with laparoscopic surgery. This is a surgery using long, thin tools.Jul 20, 2020

Can you be completely cured of testicular cancer?

If the cancer returns following treatment for stage 1 testicular cancer and it's diagnosed at an early stage, it's usually possible to cure it using chemotherapy and possibly also radiotherapy. Some types of recurring testicular cancer have a cure rate of over 95%.

What are 3 treatments for testicular cancer?

Surgery for Testicular Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Testicular Cancer. Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer. High-Dose Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplant for Testicular Cancer.

Can Stage 2 testicular cancer be cured?

Overview. Patients with Stage II testicular seminoma have a curable cancer that involves the testis and the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Retroperitoneal lymph node involvement is further characterized by the number of nodes involved and the size of involved nodes.

Can you live a normal life after testicular cancer?

This is one of the most treatable cancers. About 95% of men will survive more than 5 years after it's diagnosed. That gives you plenty of room to think about your life after surgery.Nov 19, 2020

How long do you live after testicular cancer?

The general 5-year survival rate for people with testicular cancer in the United States is 95%. This means that 95 out of every 100 people diagnosed with testicular cancer will live at least 5 years after diagnosis.

How long is recovery after testicle removal?

The swelling usually goes down within 2 to 4 weeks. You should be able to do most of your normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks, except for those that require a lot of physical effort.

Is testicular cancer a death sentence?

Testicular cancer is a highly treatable cancer. The survival rates are one of the highest of all the cancers. It is a diagnosis and not a death sentence. The overall survival rate is greater than 95%.

Does testicular cancer spread quickly?

There are two main types of testicular cancer – seminomas and nonseminomas. Seminomas tend to grow and spread more slowly than nonseminomas, which are more common, accounting for roughly 60 percent of all testicular cancers. How quickly a cancer spreads will vary from patient to patient.

Can you get an erection without testes?

Without your testes, neither testosterone nor sperm will be produced effectively. This may disrupt reproductive health, as well as the formation and maintenance of erections.Feb 26, 2021

What are 5 warning signs of testicular cancer?

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:A lump or enlargement in either testicle.A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.A dull ache in the abdomen or groin.A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.Back pain.Apr 24, 2020

Do your balls hurt if you have testicular cancer?

Symptoms of testicular cancer may include: A painless lump or swelling on either testicle. If found early, a testicular tumor may be about the size of a pea or a marble, but it can grow much larger. Pain, discomfort, or numbness in a testicle or the scrotum, with or without swelling.

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...

What are the stages of testicular cancer?

The stages of testicular cancer are indicated by Roman numerals that range from 0 to III, with the lowest stages indicating cancer that is limited to the area around the testicle. By stage III, the cancer is considered advanced and may have spread to other areas of the body, such as the lungs.

What is the best way to check for cancer after a testicle is removed?

CT scans take a series of X-ray images of your abdomen, chest and pelvis. Your doctor uses CT scans to look for signs that cancer has spread. Blood tests . Blood tests to look for elevated tumor markers can help your doctor understand whether cancer likely remains in your body after your testicle is removed.

What kind of doctor treats testicular cancer?

If your doctor suspects you could have testicular cancer, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system (urologist) or a doctor who specializes in treating cancer (oncologist).

How to tell if a lump is testicular cancer?

In other cases, your doctor may detect a lump during a routine physical exam. To determine whether a lump is testicular cancer, your doctor may recommend: Ultrasound. A testicular ultrasound test uses sound waves to create an image of the scrotum and testicles. During an ultrasound you lie on your back with your legs spread.

What is the procedure to remove testicle?

Operations used to treat testicular cancer include: Surgery to remove your testicle (radical inguinal orchiectomy) is the primary treatment for nearly all stages and types of testicular cancer.

What is the best treatment for lymph node removal?

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs travel throughout your body to kill cancer cells that may have migrated from the original tumor. Chemotherapy may be your only treatment, or it may be recommended before or after lymph node removal surgery.

What is the best way to kill cancer cells?

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. During radiation therapy, you're positioned on a table and a large machine moves around you, aiming the energy beams at precise points on your body.

How long can you survive with testicular cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the 5-year survival rate for men with testicular cancer is 95%. Survival rates are higher for early-stage cancer and lower for later-stage cancer.

What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer is most often diagnosed in men between ages 15-39 and is less common among men over 50.

What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?

While some men may never experience symptoms of testicular cancer, others may notice warning signs such as:

What are the stages of testicular cancer?

Depending on the spread, testicular cancer is divided into four stages:

How is testicular cancer treated?

Treatment depends on the cancer cell type, stage, risk of recurrence, spread, and overall health.

What to do if you have testicular cancer?

If you have (or have had) testicular cancer, you probably want to know if there are things you can do that might lower your risk of the cancer growing or coming back, such as exercising, eating a certain type of diet, or taking nutritional supplements.

How long does a cancer treatment last?

Some may last for a few weeks to months, but others can last the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor about long-term side effects you should watch for. This is also the time for you to talk to your cancer care team about any changes or problems you notice and any questions or concerns you have.

How to plan for cancer survivorship?

Talk with your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan for you. This plan might include: 1 A suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests 2 A schedule for other tests you might need in the future, such as early detection (screening) tests for other types of cancer, or tests to look for long-term health effects from your cancer or its treatment 3 A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when you should contact your doctor 4 Diet and physical activity suggestions 5 Reminders to keep your appointments with your primary care provider (PCP), who will monitor your general health care

What tests are done to check for cancer?

During these visits, your doctors will examine you and ask questions about any problems you're having. Lab tests and/or imaging tests (such as chest x-rays and CT scans) will be done to look for signs of cancer or treatment side effects. Radiation treatment and some of the chemo drugs commonly used for testicular cancer have side effects.

What blood tests are done for non-seminoma?

If you had a non-seminoma, follow-up testing will include blood tests of tumor markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Tumor markers aren’t as helpful for patients with seminoma, so they aren’t always checked.

What happens if testicular cancer comes back?

If the cancer comes back. If the cancer does recur at some point, your treatment options will depend on where the cancer is located, what treatments you’ve had before , and your health. For more information on how recurrent cancer is treated, see  Treatment Options for Testicular Cancer, by Type and Stage.

Why is it important to follow up after testicular cancer?

Follow-up care is extremely important after treatment of testicular cancer because even if it comes back, it’s still often curable. This is why finding it early is so important. Your health care team will explain what tests you need and how often they should be done.

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 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.

What is the purpose of chemotherapy?

Chemo is systemic therapy. This means that the drug travels throughout the body to reach and destroy the cancer cells. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Can chemo be stopped?

In some cases, the doses of the chemo drugs may need to be reduced or treatment may need to be delayed or stopped to keep side effects from getting worse. Some of the drugs used to treat testicular cancer can cause long-term side effects.

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.

What is a laparoscopic tube?

A laparoscope is a narrow, lighted tube with a small camera on the end that lets doctors see inside the abdomen. The surgeon’s hands are not inside the patient’s body during this type of surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, after being put to sleep, you're turned onto your side.

Can you get chemotherapy after laparoscopic surgery?

Because of this uncertainty, doctors are more likely to recommend chemotherapy after laparoscopic surgery if cancer is found in the lymph nodes. This procedure is most often used for patients with early-stage non-seminomas to see if the lymph nodes contain cancer.

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 a man have a testicle implanted in his scrotum?

They may be dating and worry about a partner’s reaction, or they may be athletic and feel embarrassed by the missing testicle when in locker rooms. To restore a more natural look, a man can have a testicular prosthesis surgically implanted in his scrotum.

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 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.

How many stages of testicular cancer are there?

Treatment of stage II testicular cancer: Stage II of testicular cancer is broadly categorized into three stages. The treatment is based on whether the testicular cancer is seminoma or nonseminoma.

What is testicular cancer?

January 21, 2019 4 Mins Read. Testicular cancer is the cancer in the testicles, the male reproductive organ that makes hormones and sperm. To learn more about testicular cancer, read here.

How many lymph nodes does testicular cancer spread to?

In stage IIB of testicular cancer, the cancer has spread to not more than five lymph nodes and the tumours are not larger than 5 cm.

What is the staging system for testicular cancer?

Staging standardizes the process of describing how much the cancer has spread in the body and this is an important step to determine the best course of action for the disease. Most cancers that have tumours are staged using a staging system called TNM system. For staging testicular cancer, this system is slightly modified to account for level ...

How many cycles of chemotherapy for seminoma?

If chemotherapy is given, 4 cycles of EP or 3 cycles of BEP is the usual practice. And for radiotherapy, radiation with slightly higher dose than stage I is given.

Where does testicular cancer spread?

Testicular cancer spreads into the spermatic cord and scrotum. When the patient’s blood sample is tested for tumour marker levels, it will be observed to be slightly higher than normal in stage II of testicular cancer.

Can testicular cancer spread to the spermatic cord?

The testicular cancer might have spread into the spermatic cord or scrotum as well. For seminomas, radical inguinal orchiectomy followed by radiation therapy to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes is the recommended course of treatment. Chemotherapy may also given in a few cases with 4 cycles of EP or 3 cycles of BEP.

How long can a man survive testicular cancer?

Nearly all men survive their disease. more than 95 out of 100 men (more than 95%) will survive their cancer for 1 year or more after they are diagnosed. around 90 out of 100 men (around 90%) will survive their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis.

What is the outlook for testicular cancer?

Your outlook might be defined as: good prognosis. intermediate prognosis. poor prognosis. Your prognosis is worked out slightly differently, depending on whether you have: pure seminoma testicular cancer.

How long does seminoma last?

Intermediate prognosis. almost 90 out of every 100 men (almost 90%) survive for 5 years or more after diagnosis. Intermediate prognosis means that the seminoma has spread beyond the lung or lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the brain or liver.

Where does testicular cancer spread?

the cancer has spread to somewhere in your body other than the lungs or lymph nodes, such as the liver or brain. You may also be in this category if your marker levels are high (S3 in the TNM staging system). Read about the stages of testicular cancer. Where this information comes from. Pure seminoma survival.

How long do men live after cancer diagnosis?

95 out of 100 men (95%) will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis. around 90 out of 100 men (around 90%) will survive their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis. Where this information comes from. Cancer survival by stage at diagnosis for England, 2019. Office for National Statistics.

How long do men live after a TNM?

around 90 out of every 100 men (around 90%) survive for 5 years or more after diagnosis. Intermediate prognosis is the same as good prognosis, except that your markers are higher – moderately above normal (S2 in the TNM staging system).

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.

What is the second testicular cancer?

A second testicular cancer (this is different than the first cancer coming back) The most common cancer seen in testicular cancer survivors is a second testicular cancer. Compared with most men in the general population, testicular cancer survivors are up to twice as likely to develop a new cancer outside the testicle.

What is the American Cancer Society's guidelines for early detection of cancer?

All patients should follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer, such as those for colorectal cancer. The Children’s Oncology Group has guidelines for the follow-up of patients treated for cancer as a child, teen, or young adult, including screening for second cancers.

What is second cancer?

Second Cancers After Testicular Cancer. Cancer survivors can be affected by a number of health problems, but often their greatest concern is facing cancer again. If a cancer comes back after treatment it's called a recurrence. But some cancer survivors may develop a new, unrelated cancer later. This is called a second cancer.

Is it important to follow up on testicular cancer?

This risk remains high and doesn’t seem to go down with time. This is why long-term follow-up is so important. The risks are generally greater with higher radiation doses or if the patient got both chemotherapy and radiation. In recent years, radiation therapy for testicular cancer has changed.

Can you see your doctor after testicular cancer?

After completing treatment for testicular cancer, you should still see your doctor regularly . You may have tests for a number of years to look for signs the cancer has come back or spread. Experts don’t recommend any other testing to look for second cancers in people without symptoms.

Can you get cancer again?

Unfortunately, being treated for cancer doesn’t mean you can’t get cancer again. People who have had cancer can still get the same types of cancers that other people get. In fact, certain types of cancer and cancer treatments are linked to a higher risk of certain second cancers.

Does cisplatin cause testicular cancer?

There's also an increased risk of leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after chemotherapy for testicular cancer. Use of the chemo drug cisplatin is linked most often to leukemia and MDS, though high doses of etoposide (VP-16, Etopophos ®, or Vepesid ®) are sometimes also a factor.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment options include radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
Medication

Chemotherapy: Therapy where the drugs are used to kill cells that are growing or multiplying too quickly.

Carboplatin . Cisplatin . Vinblastine . Paclitaxel . Bleomycin

Procedures

Inguinal orchiectomy: It is the procedure which involves the surgical removal of the testes.

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection: Procedure which involves the surgical removal of lymph nodes situated at the back of the abdomen.

Therapy

Hormone therapy:To stabilize the body processes by regulating the activity of the organs.

Radiation therapy:Treatment method that uses X-rays and other high energy rays to kill abnormal cells.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Basils have monoterpenes that are antioxidant
  • Berries, apples, and onions have flavonoids that are antioxidants
  • Green tea has polyphenols that have anti-cancer properties
  • Vegetables like broccoli and cabbage have antioxidant activity.

Foods to avoid:

  • Deep fried and grilled meat
  • High salt intake
  • Red meat such as bacon
  • Alcohol intake

Specialist to consult

Oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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In some cases men discover testicular cancer themselves, either unintentionally or while doing a testicular self-examination to check for lumps. In other cases, your doctor may detect a lump during a routine physical exam. To determine whether a lump is testicular cancer, your doctor may recommend: 1. Ultrasound. A testicula…
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