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Treatments for Testicular Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Testicular Cancer

Some types of testicular cancer can grow slowly. Treatment may not be needed right away. Some people may not need to be treated at all. In these cases, the person and the doctor will watch for any changes or signs the cancer is getting worse.

For those who do need treatment, the goals are:

  • To take out as much of the cancer as possible
  • To save as much of the testicles as possible

Added treatment may help to keep cancer from spreading or coming back. The plan will often involve a mix of methods. This is based on the type of cancer, the person's age and health, and the outlook. Comfort measures can be given if the cancer is in later stages.

Testicular cancer is one of the least dangerous cancers. If it is found early, over 95% of men survive 5 years or more. Even in men with cancer that has spread, the survival rate is about 75%.

Some forms of treatment may affect fertility. If a person plans on having children, they can talk to the doctor before starting treatment. They may be able to have their semen frozen for possible future use.

Testicular cancer is treated with:

Surgery

Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy

Medications

Treatments for many cancers are always changing. Some have yet to be found. As a result, clinical trials exist around the world. People with cancer can talk to their doctors about being in a clinical trial. More information can be found at US National Institutes of Health website.

References

  • Baird DC, Meyers GJ, et al. Testicular cancer: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(4):261-268.
  • Cancer stat facts. Testis cancer. National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program website. Available at: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/testis.html.
  • How are testicular tumors treated? Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/t/testicular-cancer.
  • Testicular cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/testicular-cancer.
  • Treating testicular cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/treating.html.
  • Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/patient/testicular-treatment-pdq#section/_50.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.