Is Testicular Cancer Treatable?
Yes. In fact, it is one of the most curable forms of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute the 5-year survival rate of men with testicular cancer is 95%. If it has not spread beyond the testicle, the NCI states the survival rate is even higher – 99%. This makes testicular cancer rarely fatal as long as it is promptly treated after it has been discovered.
Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor found in the testicles and can be caused by a number of environmental factors, including exposure to certain harmful chemicals and hereditary factors. A common indication of the cancer's presence is upon finding a lump in one testicle during a physical examination. There are 3 treatment options to remove testicular cancer:
- Radiation Therapy. Physicians target cancer cells within the testicle with radiation in order to remove the growth.
- Chemotherapy This treatment involves taking drugs that specifically target and kill cancer cells.
- Surgery An experienced surgeon will conduct a surgical removal of one or both testicles depending on the severity of the cancer. In some cases where one testicle is removed, the surgeon may also remove the nearby lymph nodes in a procedure called retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND).
Despite the effectiveness of these testicular cancer treatments, their use can negatively impact a man's fertility. For this reason, prior to undergoing treatment serious consideration should be given to preserving your fertility via cryopreservation in a sperm bank.
For more information in testicular cancer treatment or sperm banking, contact Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists.
