Testicular Cancer Treatment

For men with testicular cancer, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments. Decisions about treatment will depend on factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, and the patient's age and general health. Testicular tumors are classified as having either a good, intermediate, or poor prognosis, depending on how well the tumor is expected to respond to treatment. When the disease is found early, testicular cancer treatment is more likely to be successful.

 

Testicular Cancer Treatment: An Overview

Although the incidence of testicular cancer has risen in recent years, more than 95 percent of cases of the disease can be cured. Testicular cancer treatment is more likely to be successful when it is found early. In addition, testicular cancer treatment can often be less aggressive and may cause fewer side effects when it is treated in an early stage.
 
Testicular cancer treatment options vary based on:
 
  • The type of testicular cancer
  • The testicular cancer stage
  • The patient's age
  • The patient's general health.
     
Testicular cancer treatment options include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy.
     
The side effects of treatment will depend on the method used to treat the cancer and may vary from person to person. Patients should work with their doctors to develop a treatment plan that meets their medical needs and personal values. Choosing the most appropriate testicular cancer treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
 

Testicular Cancer Treatment Based on Type

Two of the most common types of testicular cancer treatment are seminoma and nonseminoma. These two types of testicular cancer grow differently, spread differently, and are treated differently. If the tumor contains both seminoma and nonseminoma cells, it is treated as a nonseminoma.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD