Medication
This cancer is often curable through proper treatment. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. If you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, learn how to treat the stage of the cancer that is affecting you. Have the tumor surgically removed.
Procedures
and awareness is as important as treatment. “Testicular cancer tends to target younger people, and those are the people who don’t want to go to the doctor and get checked up. I guess this ...
Therapy
What Testicular Cancer Statistics Say
- The Stage-Wise Growth of Testicular Cancer. ...
- Chances of Survival Are Higher in Less Invasive Seminoma Cancer. ...
- Seminoma Cancers Are Mostly Confined to the Testes and Are Curable. ...
- Early Detection of Testicular Cancer Holds the Key to Survival. ...
Nutrition
Stage 4 doesn't necessarily mean terminal. If the cancer can be removed with successful margins then a cure could be likely. Also if it can't be completely removed, some people can live with a Stage 4 diagnosis for many years with different treatments. Sorry for rambling on I hope it has made sense.
Can you cure testicular cancer?
What specialists treat testicular cancer?
How treatable is testicular cancer?
Is Stage 4 testicular cancer curable?
What is the treatment of choice for testicular cancers?
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 most effective treatment for testicular cancer?
Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as other factors, treatment options for testicular cancer can include: Surgery for Testicular Cancer. Radiation Therapy for Testicular Cancer. Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer.
Is testicular cancer easily treated?
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle. Depending on the type and stage of testicular cancer, you may receive one of several treatments, or a combination.
What happens when you are diagnosed with testicular cancer?
When cancer of the testicle spreads, it most commonly affects the lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen or the lungs. You may need to have a chest X-ray to check for signs of a tumour. You'll also need a scan of your entire body. This is usually a CT scan to check for signs of the cancer spreading.
Do you need chemo for testicular cancer?
The first treatment for testicular cancer is usually surgery to remove the testicle. Rarely, chemotherapy is given first if the cancer has already spread beyond the testicle when diagnosed. After surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended.
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.
Does a urologist treat testicular cancer?
Urologists are surgeons who focus on the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males, including problems with the testicles. For patients with testicular cancer, a urologist will perform the surgery to remove your tumor.
Can you get an erection without testes?
Having one testicle removed need not diminish or reduce sex drive or erections. But because the testicles produce male hormones, men who have lost both of their testes may experience a reduction in sex drive and difficulty in getting and/or maintaining an erection.
What is the main cause of testicular cancer?
Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) is the most significant risk factor for testicular cancer. Around 3 to 5% of boys are born with their testicles inside their abdomen. They usually descend into the scrotum during the first year of life, but in some boys the testicles do not descend.
What are 5 warning signs of testicular cancer?
You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following: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.
Can you survive 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.
What is one of the first signs of testicular cancer?
Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle becomes swollen or larger. (It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, and for one to hang lower than the other.) Some testicular tumors might cause pain, but most of the time they don't.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 learn more about clinical trials?
If you would like to learn more about clinical trials that might be right for you, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials.
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.
How to treat testicular cancer?
Radical inguinal orchiectomy. Treatment of testicular cancer usually starts with surgery to remove the testicle with cancer, called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. This operation is done through an incision in the groin along the beltline.
What is standard of care for testicular cancer?
This section explains the types of treatments that are the standard of care for testicular cancer. “Standard of care” means the best treatments known. When making treatment plan decisions, you are encouraged to consider clinical trials as an option.
How often do you get a CT scan for cancer?
Surveillance. This option involves CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis every 3 to 6 months for the first year, every 4 to 12 months in the second year, and every 6 to 12 months in the third to fifth year. Physical examinations and tumor marker tests to measure beta-hCG and AFP are done every 1 to 2 months for the first 12 months, every 2 to 3 months in the second year, every 3 to 4 months in the third and fourth years, every 6 months in the fifth year, and then yearly. A chest x-ray is usually needed at every other visit. If the cancer recurs, 3 cycles of chemotherapy successfully treats the cancer for more than 95% of patients. RPLND may be used to treat recurrent cancer if it is limited to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
How many cycles of chemotherapy for testicular cancer?
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.
What is the name of the team that treats testicular cancer?
This is called a multidisciplinary team. For testicular cancer, this team includes a urologist and a medical oncologist . A medical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication. Sometimes, patients may also see a radiation oncologist. A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. Cancer care teams include a variety of other health care professionals, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, dietitians, and others.
How long does chemo last?
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.
Why do you need blood samples before orchiectomy?
If a decision is made to perform an orchiectomy, a sample of blood will be collected before surgery to test for levels of serum tumor markers because they are often helpful in planning treatment and follow-up care. For example, increasing or consistently high AFP or beta-hCG after surgery is a sign that the cancer has spread. In this situation, a patient usually needs chemotherapy (see below) even if the metastases cannot be seen on imaging tests.
What are the two prognostication models for testicular cancer?
There are two major prognostication models for testicular cancer: staging,
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 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 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 an undescended testis?
An undescended testis (cryptorchidism). A family history of testis cancer (particularly in a father or brother). A personal history of testis cancer. Surgical correction of an undescended testis (orchiopexy) before puberty appears to lower the risk of testis cancer, but this isn't certain.
How to diagnose testicular torsion?
Doctors often diagnose testicular torsion with a physical exam of the scrotum, testicles, abdomen and groin. Your doctor might also test your reflexes by lightly rubbing or pinching the inside of your thigh on the affected side. Normally, this causes the testicle to contract.
Where to see for testicular torsion?
You'll probably first be seen in the emergency room or by your family doctor. However, you'll probably then be seen by a doctor who specializes in urinary tract problems and disorders affecting male genitals (urologist).
What test is used to check for infection?
Urine test. This test is used to check for infection. Scrotal ultrasound. This type of ultrasound is used to check blood flow. Decreased blood flow to the testicle is a sign of testicular torsion. But ultrasound doesn't always detect the reduced blood flow, so the test might not rule out testicular torsion. Surgery.
Can you have testicular torsion without testing?
If you've had pain for several hours and your physical exam suggests testicular torsion, you might be taken directly to surgery without any additional testing. Delaying surgery might result in loss of the testicle.
Can a testicle contract if you have a torsion?
Normally, this causes the testicle to contract. This reflex might not occur if you have testicular torsion. Sometimes medical tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis or to help identify another cause for your symptoms. For example: Urine test. This test is used to check for infection. Scrotal ultrasound.
Can a newborn have a testicular torsion?
Testicular torsion in newborns and infants. Testicular torsion can occur in newborns and infants, though it's rare. The infant's testicle might be hard, swollen or a darker color. Ultrasound might not detect reduced blood flow to the infant's scrotum, so surgery might be needed to confirm testicular torsion. Treatment for testicular torsion in ...
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