Testicular cancer

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Male reproductive anatomy

Male reproductive system

Cancer - testes; Germ cell tumor; Seminoma testicular cancer; Nonseminoma testicular cancer

Treatment depends on the:

• Type of testicular tumor
• Stage of the tumor

Once cancer is found, the first step is to determine the type of cancer cell by examining it under a microscope. The cells can be seminoma, nonseminoma, or both.

The next step is to determine how far the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This is called "staging."

• Stage I cancer has not spread beyond the testicle.
• Stage II cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen.
• Stage III cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes (it could be as far as the liver, lungs, or brain).

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Three types of treatment can be used.

• Surgical treatment removes the testicle (orchiectomy) and may also remove nearby lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy). This is usually performed in the case of both seminoma and nonseminomas.
• Radiation therapy using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays may be used after surgery to prevent the tumor from returning. Radiation therapy is usually only used for treating seminomas.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs such as cisplatin, bleomycin, and etoposide to kill cancer cells. This treatment has greatly improved survival for patients with both seminomas and nonseminomas.

Joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems can often help the stress of illness. Your local branch of the American Cancer Society may have a support group. See: www.cancer.org for more information.

Lance Armstrong, a famous cyclist, is a survivor of testicular cancer. His web site -- www.laf.org -- offers support and information for patients with testicular cancer.

The National Cancer Institute website also provides further information: www.cancer.gov

Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable and curable cancers.

The survival rate for men with early-stage seminoma (the least aggressive type of testicular cancer) is greater than 95%. The disease-free survival rate for Stage II and III cancers is slightly lower, depending on the size of the tumor and when treatment is begun.