Testicular cancer

The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and perform several functions including:¹

• Producing and storing sperm
• Producing testosterone

Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way within the testicles.² The cancer may occur in either one testicle, or both.²

A range of tests may be performed to make a diagnosis. Following a physical examination, which may include an examination of your testicles for any lumps or swelling, further tests may include:^2,3

• Imaging scans - That may include X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and computed tomography (CT) scan
• Blood tests - A blood test may be taken to look for tumour markers in the bloodstream, as these may indicate cancer. The three tumour markers relevant to testicular cancer are alpha-fetoprotein, beta human chorionic gonadotrophin, and lactate dehydrogenase.
• Surgery - Rather than a biopsy, which is often used to help diagnose other forms of cancer, surgery can be used to definitively diagnose testicular cancer. This is because a biopsy cut into a testicle could spread the cancer to other parts of the body. If testicular cancer is strongly suspected, surgical removal of the whole testicle may be recommended.

If you are found to have testicular cancer your doctor will be able to speak to you about how far the cancer has progressed, and about potential treatment options to consider.

Testicular cancer is commonly staged with the ‘TNM system’, these letters stand for:^7,8

• Tumour: your doctors will measure the size of the tumour and how much it has grown
• Nodes: refers to whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes
• Metastasis: refers to whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body

Recommended treatment options for testicular cancer depend on several factors such as the type of testicular cancer, the size of the tumour, tumour marker levels in your blood, your general health and whether the cancer has spread anywhere else in your body.³ Your treating doctor will discuss your treatment options for testicular cancer, which may include:^3-5

• Chemotherapy - is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments
  
• Radiation therapy - uses high energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages
• Surgery - may be one treatment option that your doctor recommends. Surgery is usually used to remove the affected testicle, and this procedure is called an orchidectomy

Cancer treatment may result in side effects - yet the type and severity of side effects can vary between individuals.^9,10 You can ask your doctor for detailed information around side effects and how to best manage them.

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be emotional and life changing.¹¹ It’s natural to feel disbelief, shock, anxiety, sadness, anger and loneliness.¹² Our care team aims to know your name and get to know who you are as a person. Your nursing team and oncology team are here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We are here to guide you and to help get the support you need which may include a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.

If you have any enquiries about our centres or services, please contact your local centre team. You are able to view a list of our centres here.

Other testicular cancer information, resources and support services are available to assist you during your cancer journey.

These include: