TESTICULAR CANCER
TESTICULAR CANCER
Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35. However, it accounts for only 1 percent of all cancers in men.
Cancer that develops within one or both testicles is called testicular cancer. It is one of the most curable forms of cancer. One of the major risk factors for testicular cancer is cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles have not descended into the scrotum. Normally, testicular descent occurs before birth. Other risk factors include Kleinfelter's syndrome (an inherited disorder), a family history of testicular cancer, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and exposure before birth to the hormone diethylstilbestrol (DES), which in the past was sometimes prescribed to pregnant women.
Treatments and Procedures
Most men with testicular cancer can be cured with surgery, and/or chemotherapy. Testicular cancer treatment also depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's age and general health, and other factors. The three types of standard treatment are described below:
- Surgery: To remove the testicle through an incision in the groin is called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. Men may be concerned that losing a testicle will affect their ability to have sexual intercourse or make them sterile (unable to produce children). However, a man with one healthy testicle can still have a normal erection and produce sperm.
- Chemotherapy: It use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. When chemotherapy is given to testicular cancer patients, it is usually given as adjuvant therapy (after surgery) to destroy cancerous cells that may remain in the body. Chemotherapy may also be the initial treatment if the cancer is advanced; that is, if it has spread outside the testicle at the time of the diagnosis. Most anticancer drugs are given by injection into a vein.
Technology Used
Apart from surgery and chemotherapy, the new age technology used for testicular cancer treatment include Radiology and Radiation Oncology, which are advanced imaging technology that can be used to detect cancer.
Technologies for detection of cancer:
- Computerized Tomography (CT)
- Nuclear Medicine
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- PET Fusion
The oncology clinic is comprised of physicians dedicated to treating testicle cancer and metastases to the system with the latest technology. Because our physicians are specialists in oncology, hematology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and testicle cancer treatment, you can rest assured you’re receiving the best care available. We work with specialists in other areas of care when necessary to give you a comprehensive approach to treatment of testicle cancer.