Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer overview

You are at the center of everything we do at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Here, we surround you with a team of specialists who work together closely to provide expertly targeted, complete care and compassionate support throughout your treatment and beyond.

We guide you every step of the way, combining our deep clinical expertise in testicular cancer with a commitment to meet your unique needs.

Why choose Fred Hutch?

  • Where you’re treated first matters most
    Studies have shown that the first treatment you receive for cancer is by far the most important. Patients who begin treatment at Fred Hutch often have better outcomes than those who started treatment elsewhere. 
  • Experienced testicular cancer specialists
    Fred Hutch patients receive state-of-the-art care from some of the world’s leading doctors. In fact, as a member institution of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Fred Hutch is home to doctors who help define the standards for testicular cancer care nationwide. 
  • Comprehensive testicular cancer treatment 
    Our doctors provide the full spectrum of treatments testicular cancer may require. Based on the unique characteristics of your tumor, your team may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant, all available here.
  • A national leader in cancer care
    Fred Hutch is the leading cancer treatment center in the region and among the top nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.
  • NCI comprehensive cancer center
    We are a comprehensive cancer center, a designation from the National Cancer Institute that reflects our scientific leadership and the depth and breadth of our research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. 
Bone marrow The soft, spongy material in the center of your bones that produces all your blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Chemotherapy Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It may be given alone or with other treatments. Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth, injection, infusion or on the skin, depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. It may be given alone or with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy or biologic therapy. Radiation therapy The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body.

Facts

Each year about 9,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with testicular cancer. Most are under age 35, though the disease can affect boys and men at any age. Fred Hutch offers comprehensive treatment for testicular cancer from a team of experts.

Treatment

Fred Hutch experts offer comprehensive care for testicular cancer, including advanced treatments. 

Men with localized testicular cancer come to the Fred Hutch Prostate Oncology Center at UW Medical Center for care. If your disease is advanced, your first visit may be at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center - South Lake Union. Our testicular cancer specialists see patients at both locations.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you can safely take one to three months to do research, get a second opinion and carefully consider your options. A diagnosis of cancer can feel overwhelming. We have an experienced, compassionate team ready to help. 

Providers

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

Clinical trials

Fred Hutch was formed, in part, to bring promising new treatments to patients faster. For testicular cancer patients, this means more treatment options at Fred Hutch than you might find elsewhere, including the chance to participate in one of many ongoing clinical trials conducted at both Fred Hutch and UW Medicine.

Resources

There are many resources online for learning about your disease. Health educators at the Fred Hutch Patient and Family Resource Center have compiled a list of trusted sources to help you get started.

Page glossary
close
More info
Next Up: Facts
Arrow right icon