Health encyclopaedia

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Treatment of Cancer of the testicle

Treatment for testicular cancer is usually very successful, especially if the cancer is found early. About 95% of people are cured (1).

If cancer is discovered you will have your testicle removed (orchidectomy). This is the best way to make sure the cancer has completely gone. A fake testicle called a prosthesis or implant, can be inserted in the same operation.

There are two major types of testicular cancers, seminomas (more common in 25-55 year-olds, and teratomas (usually affecting younger men). It is important to know what kind of cancer you have, and if it has spread, so that you can have the right treatment.

• Seminomas are usually treated with radiotherapy to the lymph glands within the abdomen. Chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs) may also be recommended if there are signs that the cancer has spread.
• Teratomas do not respond to radiotherapy, but chemotherapy is very effective. A short course of chemotherapy is used when there is no spread (to prevent the cancer coming back), or longer courses if there is evidence of spread.

If any cancer remains in the abdomen or chest after chemotherapy, it can be treated with an operation to remove your lymph glands (lymphadenectomy).

Having only one testicle does not affect your fertility or sexuality, as the remaining testicle can produce enough sperm and testosterone. Occasionally some men may have problems with their sex life after the operation but this is uncommon and treatment such as HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is available.

If you have to have chemotherapy this may reduce your sperm count and cause fertility problems. Before starting chemotherapy, your sperm can be tested and, if suitable, stored and used after treatment has finished. This procedure is called sperm banking. Men who undergo lymphadenectomy may sometimes experience ejaculation problems afterwards and may also be offered sperm banking.

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