Medication
Treatment for testicular cancer is based mainly on the type and stage of the cancer. Among the different stages of germ cell tumors, pure seminomas tend to be treated one way, and non-seminomas and mixed germ cell tumors are treated another way.
Procedures
Updated 11 June 2021. Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor affecting young men between the ages of 15 and 35 years old. It’s important to know it only affects 1-2% of sex-assigned at birth males worldwide.
Therapy
There are two major prognostication models for testicular cancer: staging, [ 17] and for risk-stratification of men with distant and/or bulky retroperitoneal metastases, the International Germ Cell Cancer Consensus Group classification. [ 10] The prognosis of testicular germ cell tumors is determined by the following factors:
Nutrition
In general, there are two types of testicular cancer: Seminoma. Seminoma tumors occur in all age groups, but if an older man develops testicular cancer, it is more likely to be seminoma. Seminomas, in general, aren't as aggressive as nonseminomas. Nonseminoma. Nonseminoma tumors tend to develop earlier in life and grow and spread rapidly.
What is the treatment for testicular cancer?
How common is testicular cancer in young men?
What are the prognostication models for testicular cancer?
What are the different types of testicular cancer?
What is the primary treatment for testicular cancer?
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the 3 main treatments for testicular cancer. Your recommended treatment plan will depend on: the type of testicular cancer you have – whether it's a seminoma or a non-seminoma.
What is the surgical treatment for testicular cancer?
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.
Why is testicular cancer so common in young men?
Testicular cancer cases are most common among men in their early 20s and early 40s. Dr. Konijeti explains that the testes are more actively producing testosterone and sperm in men when they are younger, thus raising the risk for cancer. White men also may have a higher risk than other racial groups.
What of testicular cancer is curable if treated early?
While a cancer diagnosis is always serious, the good news about testicular cancer is that it is treated successfully in 95% of cases. If treated early, the cure rate rises to 98%.
What is the meaning of orchidopexy?
Orchidopexy (OR-kid-o-pex-ee) is a surgery to move a testicle that has not descended or moved down to its proper place in the scrotum.
What is the name for testicular surgery?
What is orchiectomy? An orchiectomy (or orchidectomy) is a surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles. Testicles are two small organs that hang in a sac of skin (the scrotum) below the penis. Testicles (or testes) make sperm and male hormones, including testosterone.
What kind of cancer do young men get?
Certain cancers, such as primary bone cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma and testicular cancer, are most frequently diagnosed among adolescents and young adults. However, the incidence of specific cancer types varies according to age. Lymphomas and thyroid cancer are the most common cancers among 15- to 24-year-olds.
What is young man's cancer?
Testicular cancer most often develops in younger men. About half of testicular cancers occur in men between the ages of 20 and 34, but it can occur at any age. Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle becomes swollen or larger.
How common is testicular cancer in young adults?
However, testis cancer can occur at any age: It is the second most common malignancy in young men 15 to 19 years old (leukemia is No. 1), with approximately 6 percent of cases occurring in children and teens, and about 7 percent occurring in men over the age of 55.
Can you treat testicular cancer without surgery?
What are the treatment options for testicular cancer? Besides surgery, your urologist may also recommend radiation or chemotherapy, depending on what stage your cancer is in. –Radiation: High-energy X-rays or other types of radiation are used to kill cancer cells.
Why is testicular cancer so curable?
The key to such success appears to lie in the cancer's stem cells, which are more sensitive to chemotherapy than stem cells found in other types of cancer. Defining why testicular cancers are so susceptible to chemotherapy could eventually provide insights for treating other, more resistant cancers.
How long is treatment for testicular cancer?
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.
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?
If this happens, it’s usually within the first 2 years after treatment. In general, if the cancer recurs, it’s probably best to get a second opinion from a center with extensive experience in treating relapsed testicular cancer before starting treatment.
What is stage 0 testicular cancer?
Carcinoma in situ (stage 0) testicular tumors. In this stage, the cancer has not spread outside the testicle, and tumor marker levels (like HCG and AFP) are not elevated. If CIS is diagnosed after surgery removes the testicle, no other treatment is needed. If CIS is found after a testicular biopsy (such as for fertility problems), ...
What is the procedure to remove lymph nodes?
If tumor marker levels are normal, there are 2 main options: Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND): This is surgery to remove the lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen. If the lymph nodes that were removed contain cancer, chemo (typically for 2 cycles) might be given.
How many cycles of chemo for lymph nodes?
Chemotherapy: This is typically the preferred treatment. It is usually either 4 cycles of EP (etoposide and cisplatin) or 3 cycles of BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin). Radiation: This may be an option instead of chemo if the lymph nodes aren't enlarged from cancer spread.
How many cycles of BEP for cancer?
This can help reduce the risk that the cancer will come back. If cancer was found in the lymph nodes after surgery, 2 to 4 cycles of BEP or EP (etoposide and cisplatin) may be given, depending on how many nodes had cancer in them. This has a high cure rate, but it can have side effects (which are mostly short-term).
How often do you have to watch for stage 2 seminoma?
The doctor will then watch closely (every 3 to 6 months) for any signs that the cancer has come back .
Where are tumors left after treatment?
Sometimes a few tumors might be left after treatment. These are most often in the lung or in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Further treatment at this point depends on the type of cancer:
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).
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.
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 tests can you do to check for cancer?
Blood tests. Your doctor may order tests to determine the levels of tumor markers in your blood. Tumor markers are substances that occur normally in your blood, but the levels of these substances may be elevated in certain situations, including testicular cancer. A high level of a tumor marker in your blood doesn't mean you have cancer, but it may help your doctor in determining your diagnosis.
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 to prepare for cancer treatment?
Good places to start include the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. Take care of yourself. Make healthy choices in your everyday life to prepare for cancer treatment. Eat a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
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.
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
Why is it important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor?
It’s important to discuss all treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. You may feel that you need to make a decision quickly, but it’s important to give yourself time to absorb the information you have learned. Ask your cancer care team questions.
Why do we do clinical trials?
Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies that are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures . 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.
What do people with cancer need?
People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.
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, ...
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.
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) ...
What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
Risk factors for testicular cancer include: Having had an undescended testicle. Having had abnormal development of the testicles. Having a personal history of testicular cancer. Having a family history of testicular cancer (especially in a father or brother).
What is a tumor marker test?
Serum tumor marker test: A procedure in which a sample of blood is examined to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs, tissues, or tumor cells in the body. Certain substances are linked to specific types of cancer when found in increased levels in the blood.
What is the process of finding out if a cancerous cell has spread?
The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the testicles or to other parts of the body is called staging.
Why do cancer tests have to be repeated?
Some tests will be repeated in order to see how well the treatment is working. Decisions about whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may be based on the results of these tests.
Why do we do clinical trials?
Clinical trials are done to find out if new cancer treatments are safe and effective or better than the standard treatment.
What are the two prognostication models for testicular cancer?
There are two major prognostication models for testicular cancer: staging,
How many people fathered children after testicular cancer?
In two, large studies, roughly 70% of patients actually fathered children after treatment for testicular cancer. [ 33, 34] The likelihood of recovering fertility is related to the type of treatment received.
What is stage 3 cancer?
Stage III implies spread beyond the retroperitoneal nodes based on physical examination, imaging studies, and/or blood tests (i.e., patients with retroperitoneal adenopathy and highly elevated serum tumor markers are stage III). Stage III can be further stratified based on the location of metastasis and the degree of elevation of serum tumor markers. In the favorable group (IIIA), metastases are limited to lymph nodes and lung, and serum tumor markers are no more than mildly elevated. Stage IIIB patients have moderately elevated tumor markers, while stage IIIC patients have highly elevated markers and/or metastases to liver, bone, brain or some organ other than the lungs. These subclassifications of stage III correspond to the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification system for disseminated germ cell tumors. [ 2]
What is the purpose of a CT scan of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes?
Evaluation of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, usually by CT scanning, is an important aspect of staging and treatment planning in adults with testicular cancer. [ 21, 22] Patients with a negative result have a substantial chance of having microscopic involvement of the lymph nodes.
How many men will have teratoma after chemo?
Case series of men undergoing postchemotherapy resections have reported that roughly 10% will have viable germ cell cancer, 45% will have teratoma, and 45% will have no viable tumor. [ 30] Numerous attempts have been made to identify the patients who need surgery and the patients who can be safely observed. Variables predictive of finding only necrosis or fibrosis at surgery are: [ 31]
What percentage of testicular tumors are seminomas?
[ 1] . Less than 50% of malignant testicular germ cell tumors have a single cell type, of which roughly 50% are seminomas.
How many people will die from testicular cancer in 2021?
Incidence and Mortality. Estimated new cases and deaths from testicular cancer in the United States in 2021: [ 1] New cases: 9,470. Deaths: 440. Testicular cancer is a highly treatable, usually curable, cancer that most often develops in young and middle-aged men. Most testicular cancers are germ cell tumors.
What age do men get testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor affecting young men between the ages of 15 and 35 years old. It’s important to know it only affects 1-2% of sex-assigned at birth males worldwide.
How long does testicular cancer last?
In fact, with treatment it has over a 95% percent five-year survival rate. If you have testicular cancer, your health care provider will work with a team of cancer specialists (or oncologists) and urologist (surgeon that specializes in the urinary and male reproductive systems) to help with your treatment.
Can you get testicular cancer early?
While there’s no way to prevent testicular cancer, you can perform testicular self-exams to try to catch it early. Testicular exams should be done in a private space. Some people like to do them in the shower, and other people find it helpful to do in front of a mirror.
Can you have chemotherapy for testicular cancer?
Depending on your type and severity of testicular cancer you may also have chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. It’s important to talk to your medical team about impacts on fertility (the ability to have biological children in the future). This can include a discussion around sperm banking (storing your sperm).
Is testicular cancer more common in white people?
In the United States, testicular cancer is more than 4 times more common in people who identify as White than those who identify as Black.
Testicular Warning Signs Are Subtle
Because testicular cancer symptoms can be subtle, so pay attention to any changes to your testes, particularly if you notice a small lump, thickening or swelling on your testicle. It might be accompanied by pain or discomfort, but it can also be painless.
Choose to Stay in Touch
Sign up to receive the latest health news and trends, wellness & prevention tips, and much more from Orlando Health.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Coping and Support
Specialist to consult
Preparing For Your Appointment