A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

TESTICULAR CANCERS

How do Testicular Cancers occur ?

The occurrence of tumours of the testicle seems to be increasing. No particular reason for this has been discovered.

Why do Testicular Cancers occur ?

The cells in the testicle behave in an abnormal way to produce a tumour. Nearly all of these tumours are malignant, but a few are benign.

Treatment involved for Testicular Cancers

Testicular tumours can be detected by ultrasound scans. Blood tests and CT (x-ray) scans are also helpful for assessing whether the tumour has spread. All these tests can be very suggestive of the diagnosis. Absolute certainty can be provided only by looking at specimens from the removed testicle under the microscope (histology). Whenever there is any doubt as to the nature of the swollen testicle, the urologist will advise you that it is removed. This operation is called an orchidectomy and will require a general anaesthetic. An incision is made in the groin and the whole testicle is removed. The operation can be performed as a day case, but 1 2 nights in hospital may be needed. Recovery is quick and only 2 weeks convalescence at home will be required. The stitches may be dissolving in type, or may require removal at 7 10 days. The removed testicle will be sent for microscopic examination. The result may take 7 10 days to become available. The urologist will then know whether the tumour is a teratoma or a seminoma. From the preceding blood tests and x-rays it will be clear whether the tumour has spread. Depending on the type of tumour and on whether it has spread, there are several alternative courses of action. In cases which have not spread at all from the testicle, there will be no further immediate treatment, but very careful follow-up for life. In cases where there is any suspicion or sign of spread outside the testicle either x-ray treatment (radiotherapy) or cancer-treating drugs (chemotherapy) will be advised. Sometimes a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy will be given. The effect of the treatment will be checked by scans, x-ray and blood tests. If the chemotherapy fails to make all the disease disappear, further surgical operation may be suggested.

During treatment for Testicular Cancers

As soon as the diagnosis has been made you will be referred to a specialist in cancers (oncologist). This specialist may also be a radiotherapist. The urologist will be kept in contact with the patient's progress in case further surgery becomes necessary. The particular programmes of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy will differ between patients and slightly between hospitals. It is therefore important that you ask to see the specialist about the likely treatment schedule. The side-effects of chemotherapy vary according to the drugs which are used. Courses of drugs are given over 2 3 days. While the drugs are being given, sickness is common, but this can be relieved. Some treatments lower the body's defences and make patients more likely to suffer from infections. For this reason, the oncologist will arrange regular clinic visits where blood tests will be taken to assess the body's defences. Certain treatments, particularly radiotherapy, may affect your fertility. In some cases this may be permanent and arrangements can be made to freeze and store sperm before treatment commences. This can then be used for artificial insemination at a later date.

After Treatment

There has been remarkable improvement in the treatment of testicular tumours. Nowadays the great majority should be curable. Without appropriate surgery, effective radiotherapy and chemotherapy, most tumours would be fatal.

If Testicular Cancers are left Untreated

Most patients will be looked after by groups of doctors who specialize in the treatment of tumours in the testicle. This means that their treatment, clinic visits, and lifelong follow-up will be carefully planned. Such specialist groups usually provide ready access to all their patients should any new symptoms develop. In particular, the remaining testicle should be carefully examined by you at intervals which the specialist will advise, to ensure that no lumps are developing.

Effects on family of Testicular Cancers

The disorder can produce considerable anxiety. Family need to be very supportive, and should help to remind you of the need for regular follow-up visits.