Testicular Cancer (Cont.)

Testicular Cancer: Prognosis

The testicular cancer prognosis and treatment options will depend on:
 
  • The testicular cancer stage
  • The type of testicular cancer
  • The size of the tumor
  • The number and size of retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
     
In most cases, testicular cancer is curable. However, certain treatments for testicular cancer can cause permanent infertility. Patients who wish to have children should consider sperm banking before receiving treatment for the disease. Sperm banking is the process of freezing sperm and storing it for later use.
 
(Click Testicular Cancer Prognosis for more information.)
 

Testicular Cancer Statistics

The American Cancer Society estimates that 8,250 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2006 and that 370 men will die from the disease in that same period.
 
(Click Testicular Cancer Statistics for more statistics on testicular cancer.)
 

Testicular Cancer: Summary of Key Points

Key information about testicular cancer includes the following:
 
  • Testicular cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles.
     
  • The two most common types of testicular cancer are seminoma and nonseminoma. Other types of testicular cancer are rare.
     
  • Testicular cancer occurs most often in men between the ages of 20 and 39.
     
  • Testicular cancer accounts for only 1 percent of all cancers in men.
     
  • Risk factors of developing testicular cancer include having an undescended testicle, having previous testicular cancer, and having a family history of the disease.
     
  • Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump, swelling, or enlargement in the testicle; pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum; and an ache in the lower abdomen, back, or groin.
     
  • A testicular cancer diagnosis generally involves blood tests, an ultrasound, and a biopsy.
     
  • Treatment can often cure testicular cancer, but regular follow-up exams are extremely important.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD