What treatments are available for patients with testicular cancer? The type of treatment depends on the extent of the disease. Surgical treatment includes the removal of the testicle and associated lymph nodes, known as orchiectomy. Surgery is also used to remove tumors that spread to the lymph nodes, liver, or lungs. Another treatment is radiation therapy, which involves the use of high-dose X-rays to kill cancer cells. This therapy is often reserved for patients with non-seminoma testicular cancer.
Early symptoms of testicular cancer include the development of facial and body hair. An accelerated voice deepening may be another sign of testicular cancer. In order to detect these symptoms, most experts recommend having a testicular exam done at a young age. Some physicians recommend a monthly exam after puberty to catch any abnormalities early. If the symptoms are severe enough, a testicular biopsy may be recommended.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, the testicle may be removed by a radical inguinal orchiectomy. This surgical procedure involves making a large incision in the groin. The tumor and testicle are removed, as well as the spermatic cord, which contains blood vessels and lymph vessels that act as a pathway for testicular cancer. The pathologist will then examine the tissue under a microscope to determine the type of cancer. The procedure is typically an outpatient procedure.
Another type of testicular cancer is known as embryonal carcinoma. About 40% of testicular tumors are composed of this type of cancer. These tumors resemble the tissues of a very early human embryo and tend to spread outside the testicle. In addition, they tend to spread outside the testicle and raise blood levels of certain tumor markers. HCG is released during this process. These tumors are also known as yolk sac carcinoma, or endodermal sinus tumor, orchidoblastoma, and teratoma.
If a cancer has spread beyond the testicle, it is classified as Stage III. This disease has spread to lymph nodes and distant organs. It is considered stage III if the tumor has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen and has metastasized. If tumor markers are elevated, radiation therapy can be used. Low-stage seminomas are often treated with active surveillance. When cancer is detected in the testicles, a biopsy will determine the diagnosis.
Treatments for testicular cancer include total orchiectomy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgical removal of one testicle does not affect fertility, although a reduction in testosterone may be temporary. A short decrease in sperm production may also occur. Ejaculation may also become difficult or impossible. Doctors may prescribe medications or suggest a bank of sperm. It is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor before proceeding.
Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which become eggs and sperm. There are two main types of germ cell tumours in testicles, called seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas are more aggressive than non-seminomas, but both types are sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation. If you suspect you have any of these types of cancer, make an appointment immediately to discuss your options.
