enlargement or tenderness of the breasts. These symptoms are not sure signs of cancer. They may also be caused by other conditions. However, it is important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms lasts as long as two weeks. Early diagnosis of testicular cancer is especially important, because the sooner cancer is found and treated, the better a man's chances are for complete recovery.
Treatment of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancers can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The doctor may use one method or a combination of methods. Often, the patient is referred to medical centers that specialize in testicular cancer treatment. Surgery
In most cases, surgery is done to remove the testicle. Sometimes, it may also be necessary to remove lymph nodes in the abdomen. In addition, tumors that may have spread to other parts of the body may be partly or entirely removed by surgery.
Radiation Therapy
In radiation therapy (also called x-ray therapy, radiotherapy, cobalt treatment or irradiation), high-energy rays are used to damage cancer cells and stop their growth. Like surgery, radiation therapy is a local treatment; it affects only the cells in the treated area. Patients usually receive radiation therapy in an outpatient clinic.
Seminomas are highly sensitive to radiation. Following surgery, men with seminomas generally have radiation therapy to their abdominal lymph nodes.
Nonseminomas are not sensitive to radiation. Patients with this type of cancer need other types of treatment.
Chemotherapy
The use of drugs to treat cancer is called chemotherapy. Anticancer drugs are recommended when there are signs that the cancer has spread. Also, chemotherapy is sometimes used if the doctor suspects that undetected cancer cells may remain in the body after surgery or radiation. The use of anticancer drugs following surgery for an early stage of cancer is known as adjuvant therapy.
Chemotherapy may be given by mouth or by injection into a muscle or blood vessel. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment - the drugs enter the bloodstream and reach cells all over the body. Depending on the specific drugs and the patient's general condition, chemotherapy may be taken as an outpatient, at the doctor's office or at home. Sometimes, the person must be hospitalized for a period of time so that the effects of the treatment can be watched.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Testicular Cancer
What type of testis cancer is it?
Is this case in the good-risk or poor-risk group?
Will nerve-sparing surgery be possible?
Should I consider using a sperm bank?
What are the toxic effects and risks of chemotherapy?
What are the tumor markers?
What other tests are needed for follow-up?
What is the chance of cure?
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