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You are here: Cancer information / Cancer type / Testicular / Treatment

Glossary

Treatment of testicular cancer

Cancer treatment is given by cancer specialists (oncologists). Some specialize in surgery, some in radiation therapy and others in chemotherapy (drugs). These doctors work with the person with cancer to decide on a treatment plan. They may also discuss concerns about fertility or sexual function, based on each individual's unique situation.

 

Treatment plans are designed to meet the specific needs of each person with cancer. Treatment decisions for testicular cancer are based on the:

  • type of testicular cancer
  • stage of the cancer
  • person's overall health

Treatment options for testicular cancer

  • surgery
    • orchiectomy – removal of the testicle and spermatic cord
    • retroperitoneal lymph node dissection – removal of the lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen
    • salvage surgery – removal of tumours that have spread to other parts of the body or that remain following chemotherapy
  • chemotherapy
    • Usually, combinations of drugs that include cisplatin are used.
  • radiation therapy
    • External beam radiation therapy may be given after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
    • It may be given as treatment for recurrent testicular cancer.
  • watchful waiting 
    • This may be a treatment option for stage I testicular cancer.
  • High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant
    • aggressive or poor-risk testicular tumours treated with high-dose chemotherapy
    • recurrent testicular cancer treated with high-dose chemotherapy
    • a stem cell transplant may be used to restore bone marrow damaged by high-dose chemotherapy
  • follow-up after treatment is finished
    • It is important to have regular follow-up visits, especially in the first 5 years after treatment.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials investigate better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. There are some clinical trials in Canada that are open to people with testicular cancer. For more information, go to clinical trials.

 

See a list of questions to ask your doctor about treatment.

 

 

References

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