Therapy

Surgery

Possible Surgical Procedures for the Treatment of Testicular Cancer:

• Surgical removal of the affected testicle (radical inguinal orchiectomy)
  This procedure is generally considered the standard treatment for nearly all types and stages of testicular cancer. The affected testicle is removed entirely through an incision in the groin area. If desired for cosmetic reasons, a saline-filled testicular prosthesis can be implanted to replace the removed testicle. It looks and feels like a natural testicle.
• Surgical removal of lymph nodes (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection – RPLND)
  This surgery is performed through an abdominal incision. Your surgeon will make every effort to preserve the nerve fibers surrounding the lymph nodes. However, in some cases, removal of these nerves may be unavoidable. Damage to these nerves can result in difficulties with ejaculation, but erectile function is not affected.

In cases of early-stage testicular cancer, surgery alone may be sufficient, and no further treatment may be necessary.

If this applies to you, your doctor will recommend a follow-up plan with regular check-ups. These follow-up appointments typically occur every few months during the first year, and less frequently thereafter. They may include blood tests, CT scans, and other examinations to detect any early signs of recurrence (relapse) as soon as possible.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radioactive beams — such as X-rays — to destroy cancer cells. During the treatment, you will lie on a table while a large machine rotates around you, precisely directing radiation to targeted areas of your body.

Radiation therapy is sometimes considered an option for patients with seminoma-type testicular cancer. It may also be used as an additional treatment after surgical removal of the affected testicle.

Possible side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin inflammation, and irritation in the abdominal and groin areas.
One potential long-term consequence of radiation therapy is permanent infertility.
For this reason, it is important to discuss options for sperm preservation with your doctor before starting radiation treatment, to ensure the possibility of fathering children in the future.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy aims to destroy cancer cells throughout the body using cytotoxic (cell growth-inhibiting) medications. These drugs can also target and eliminate cancer cells that may have spread beyond the original tumor site.

Chemotherapy may be used as the sole treatment for testicular cancer or may be administered before or after surgery to remove lymph nodes.

Possible side effects of chemotherapy vary depending on the specific drugs used. Ask your doctor what to expect in your individual case.
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and an increased risk of infection. Some of these effects can be managed or alleviated with supportive care and medications.

Chemotherapy also carries a high likelihood of causing infertility, which may be permanent.
Be sure to discuss the option of sperm preservation with your doctor before starting treatment.