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Treatment for Testicular Cancer

 The doctor will choose the appropriate treatment plan for testicular cancer depending on whether the person has nonseminoma or seminoma testicular cancer and also the stage of cancer. Typically the first treatment option for testicular cancer is to surgically remove the testicle that has been affected. Once the testicle has been surgically removed, the individual may still be required to undergo a short radiation course so as to ensure that the cancer does not return.

In case the testicular cancer has advanced then further surgery may be performed to get rid of the affected lymph nodes along with chemotherapy and a combination of various medicines.

Alternatively if the testicular cancer is at stage 4, wherein the cancer has spread to other body parts, then the treatment for testicular cancer will include surgery to remove the tumors from the other parts of the body which may include the lungs.

If the individual has both his testicles removed then the doctor may also put him on testosterone replacement therapy without which his testosterone levels will go down resulting in his inability to maintain an erection as well as have a decreased sex drive.

Radiotherapy also forms an important part of the treatment for testicular cancer wherein the high energy radiation beams are used to destroy the cancer cells. However this treatment may have some side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue and nausea.

An important part of the treatment for testicular cancer is the follow treatment which is essential to ensure that the cancer does not return. Some of the tests that should be performed after the intensive treatment for testicular cancer include blood tests, x rays, physical examinations, CT scan etc. These tests should be done every three months in the first year and thereafter their frequency may be reduced to twice a year to finally - just once a year.