TESTICULAR CANCER



Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-35 years. The two main types of testicular tumors are seminomas and nonseminomas. Nonseminomas tend to grow and spread more rapidly than seminomas. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in the testicle.

Most cases of testicular cancer can be cured, even when diagnosed at advanced stages.

Our goal is to achieve the best treatment for testicular cancer according to the genetic characteristics of each patient’s tumor.

SYMPTOMS of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer or other conditions can cause these and other symptoms:
  • Painless mass or swelling in either testicle.
  • Change in the testicles that are noticeable to the touch.
  • Dull pain in the lower abdomen or groin.
  • Sudden accumulation of fluid in the scrotum.
  • Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS to detect testicular cancer
To diagnose testicular cancer, tests that examine the testicles and blood are performed. Any of the following tests and procedures may be used:
  • Physical examination and review of medical history.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Serum tumor biomarker test.
  • Biopsy.

 

TREATMENTS for testicular cancer
Different types of standard treatment are available for patients with testicular cancer: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant.

New types of treatment are being investigated in clinical trials.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following factors: the stage of the cancer (whether it is localized in the testicle or nearby, or has spread to other parts of the body; also concentrations of the markers AFP, ß-HCG and LDH in the blood), the type of testicular cancer, size of the tumor, number and size of lymph nodes.

Testicular cancer usually can be cured in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy after primary treatment.

Treatment of testicular cancer can cause infertility, sometimes permanent. Patients who wish to have children at some point in their lives should consider freezing or otherwise storing sperm before undergoing treatment.