Early detection and proper treatment of testicular cancer is critical for a cure. Treatment options for this disease include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Doctors may combine one or more of these treatments, depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s overall health. The good news is that many testicular cancer patients have complete remissions after treatment. Here are some of the things your doctor should keep an eye on.
Testicular tumors can be classified into two types, which include germ cell and invasive carcinoma. Embryonal cancers are the most common type, and they make up about 20% of all childhood testicular tumors. These types of cancers are characterized by a high production of the hormone HCG, and they can spread throughout the body. Testicular tumors can also develop in the supportive tissue surrounding the testis.
A doctor will order blood tests to determine the presence of tumor markers in the testis. These tests examine blood samples and detect elevated levels of certain substances linked to cancer. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are some of the markers that will be elevated. These tests are useful in determining the extent of the cancer, as elevated levels of one type can indicate an invasive cancer.
Surgical procedures may be necessary for testicular cancer. The treatment of seminoma, a type of cancer in the testes, is the most common treatment for testicular cancer. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often used to treat this cancer if lymph nodes are involved. Unlike non-seminomas, seminomas are highly sensitive to radiation. However, there are some rare types of cancer in the testis that do not require surgery and are harmless.
Treatment for testicular cancer will depend on a multidisciplinary team of healthcare specialists. Physicians include urologists (those who treat diseases of the urinary system), surgical oncologists (those who use radiation to fight cancer), and oncology nurses. Moreover, psychosocial support for the family will be necessary for a patient’s recovery. If the symptoms of testicular cancer are detected early, treatment can be successful.
In stage III, the cancer has spread beyond the testicle and has begun to affect the lungs, liver, and brain. Treatment options include surgery to remove the affected testicle and chemotherapy. In some cases, cancer of the testicles can spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen and pelvic area, which requires removal of the affected testicle and lymph nodes. This procedure is called lymphadenectomy. Surgical treatment for stage III cancer depends on the type of tumor and the lymph nodes.
In addition to spermatocele, a blood clot in a large vein can be the first symptom of testicular cancer. In some cases, blood clots can cause symptoms of pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis. In younger patients, a blood clot may be the first symptom of testicular cancer. In most cases, the disease does not spread to the other testicular organ, but symptoms of testicular cancer may include lower back pain, unintended weight loss, and blood in sputum.
