In addition to the tumor, the testicle and spermatic cord will also be removed. If you remove the entire testicle, you have the option of getting a testicular implant. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The tumor and other tissue is then sent to a lab to be examined for cancerous cells.
Imaging tests will be used to determine if and where the cancer has spread. These tests can help the doctor detect if the cancer has spread to other areas, like the lymph nodes or other organs. A CT scan is recommended if there is suspected metastatic spread to the pelvis and thorax. Imaging tests are also used to see if the treatment is working and if the cancer is returning after treatment.
Stage 0 testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells are found in the testicles. The cells may evolve into cancer, but at this stage they are just abnormal. This may be something like a testicular scar. Stage I cancer is discovered after the testicle(s) is removed. Stage I cancer occurs when the cancer is either in the testicle or the membranes around the testicle. Stage I may also be in the spermatic cord or scrotum. Surgery and close monitoring may be all the treatment that is needed for stage I. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation is also used. Stage II cancer is when the cancer is in the testicle, scrotum, and spermatic cord, along with the lymph nodes in the abdomen. Stage II often is treated with radiation therapy. Sometimes, mild chemotherapy is also used. Stage III cancer has the same markers as stage II but has also spread to lymph nodes beyond the abdomen, to the lungs, or other parts of the body. Surgery is often needed to remove tumors in other parts of the body, along with chemotherapy. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Chemotherapy may involve cisplatin based combination therapy with three cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. However, men with compromised pulmonary function have to be careful if they are on bleomycin because this chemotherapy can cause lung injury.
You will probably have a urologist, physician assistant, nurses, and nurse practitioners. If you have radiation therapy, you will have a radiation oncologist. If you undergo chemotherapy, you will have a medical oncologist. You may also have social workers or other mental health professionals, physical therapists, or other professionals.
There are 69 NIH NCI-Designated Cancer Centers across the country. These are the best places to go for cancer treatment. These institutions usually do clinical and basic science research, and they have an academic approach highly focused on the treatment of all types of cancer.
You will get exams and blood tests every three to six months for a year after your surgery, then every six to nine months. You will also have CT scans and x-rays to check for cancers in other parts of your body. Radiation and chemotherapy will be used if cancer cells are found in other parts of your body.
Radiation is done externally by placing the machine over the affected area. Radiation therapy is painless. Radiation is sometimes used with early stage II cancers to kill any cancer cells that may be developing in the lymph nodes. Radiation is used in stage III when the cancer has spread metastatically to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy is generally used with stage I, II, or III cancer when the cancer has moved beyond the testicle. If the cancer is only in the testicle, chemotherapy will not be used. Chemotherapy is also used when the cancer is recurrent. Chemotherapy, usually a cisplatin based therapy, is administered in cycles of treatment and rest. The treatment may take weeks or months to complete.
Removing the lymph nodes may cause damage to nearby nerves, which can lead to problems with ejaculation. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
For example, you may have to get tumors removed in your lungs, brain, liver, or other organs.
Don’t feel like you can’t get a second opinion just because a doctor told you that you had cancer. Your health and treatment is in your hands, and you have a say. If you don’t feel comfortable with a treatment option or diagnosis, get a second opinion.
Sperm banking is where you freeze samples of your sperm so your partner can be impregnated via artificial insemination later. Advanced stages of testicular cancer are always offered sperm banking.
Low levels of testosterone may cause fatigue, lower sex drive, reduced growth of body hair, erectile dysfunction, and weight gain. Side effects of TRT are mild. You may experience acne or oily skin, swollen breasts, and increased need to urinate. TRT may increase the risk of prostate cancer, so discuss this with your doctor.
To treat retrograde ejaculation, you can take medicine to strengthen the bladder to help keep the semen from flowing into it. You can also impregnate your partner with by artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization.
Clinical trials help doctors and researchers learn new and better ways to treat cancer. Ask your doctor if the treatment center or hospital does clinical trials. You can also look online for clinical trials run by cancer organizations and cancer research hospitals. Clinical trials may not be right for everyone. Talk to your doctor.
