If you have testicular cancer, you may want to learn more about the different treatment options available. You may also want to know more about testicular cancer symptoms. These include swelling, pain, and an inability to conceive. There are several treatments for testicular cancer, including surgical removal, chemotherapy, or watchful waiting. The type of treatment you choose depends on the type of cancer you have, your age, and your desired outcome.
The most common type of testicular cancer is called yolk sac carcinoma. In adults, this type of cancer is less common. Adults, on the other hand, are likely to develop pure yolk sac cancers. These tumors respond to chemotherapy well and almost always increase levels of HCG and AFP. However, they are not completely curable. This is why doctors must monitor you for the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer to help you determine the best course of treatment.
Among the treatments for testicular cancer, inguinal orchiectomy is a popular treatment. In this surgical procedure, the entire testicle is removed. If a biopsy is not possible, a sample of the affected tissue must be taken and tested for the presence of tumour markers. In case of a strong suspicion of cancer, however, a testicle must be removed. Even a biopsy has the risk of spreading cancer to other parts of the body.
Treatment for testicular cancer is based on the stage of the disease and the location of the cancer. If it is stage I or II, it may spread to the lymph nodes of the pelvis and abdomen. In advanced stages, it may spread to the brain, liver, or lungs. For stage III testicular cancer, surgical treatment may involve removal of the testicle and associated lymph nodes. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, uses medicines to kill cancer cells. Both of these treatments improve survival rates.
Treatment for stage III testicular cancer depends on its location. Cancer that has spread beyond the testicle will be classified as Stage III. It may also spread to distant lymph nodes, and may reach the lungs. In stage III, tumor markers are elevated. The primary cell type of testicular cancer is a seminoma. Seminomas respond well to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In low-stage seminomas, active surveillance may be sufficient.
Almost all testicular cancers develop from germ cells, the cells that create sperm and eggs. There are two types of germ cell tumors: seminomas and nonseminomas. Seminomas are less common, but are less aggressive than nonseminomas. In children, seminomas tend to spread more quickly. In addition, seminomas are more responsive to chemotherapy than nonseminomas.
When a healthcare provider suspects testicular cancer, he or she will conduct a complete exam. This will include a medical history and a physical examination. During the exam, your healthcare provider will check your testicles for sore areas or lumps. Your healthcare provider will also check other parts of your body for signs of tumor spreading elsewhere. If all the symptoms are consistent with testicular cancer, a biopsy may be the only way to tell if the disease is spread to other parts of the body.
