Treatment may differ depending on whether the cancer is a seminoma or a teratoma, and if it has spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Testicular cancers can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, on their own or in combination.
Surgery
An orcidectomy is the first treatment for testicular cancer and also helps confirm the diagnosis. Occasionally a further operation may be necessary to remove lymph nodes in your chest or abdomen.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and is given using a machine similar to an x-ray machine, but slightly larger. Radiotherapy is most commonly recommended for men with a seminoma, after their operation. Treatment will be planned specifically for you to make sure that all the cancer cells are destroyed with least amount of damage to normal tissue. The treatment are will include the lymph nodes in the abdomen and pelvis.
As the treatment area may include some of your bowel, the main side effects you may experience are nausea or sickness and, occasionally, diarrhoea. Your doctor will provide medicines to prevent this but do tell the staff if you are nauseated or have any other problems. You may also develop red, sore skin in the area being treated.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy means treatment with anti-cancer drugs. It is often recommended for men with a teratoma, and occasionally for those who have a seminoma. Once again your therapy will be planned on an individual basis.