After a confirmed diagnosis of testicular cancer has been made, your doctor will discuss the treatment options that are available to you. The type and stage of your cancer, your overall health, and your preferences all influence your course of treatment. There are 3 primary treatments for testicular cancer. In addition, you may want to talk with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial in which a new treatment is being studied.
Infertility
Treatment for testicular cancer can cause infertility. The specific treatment you receive will determine whether you can still father children.
- Sometimes the surgery to remove the testicle and spermatic cord results in the sperm traveling into the bladder and not being released through ejaculation.
- Radiation therapy can result in infertility that may be reversed after the effects of treatment wear off.
- Chemotherapy can cause permanent infertility.
- If only one testicle is removed you should remain fertile.
Whether or not you are considering having children, you may want to consider the option of sperm banking. This process allows you to have your healthy sperm frozen and stored for later use.
New Treatments
One of the major goals of the SCCA is to move the latest diagnostic tools and techniques from the research setting to patient care as quickly as possible. Our medical teams are dedicated to providing each patient with the best possible treatment available.
- DNA
Studies are ongoing to determine the cause of testicular cancer. Scientists believe that a better understanding of genetic changes will lead to the creation of better and more individualized treatments. - New Drugs and Drug Combinations
Testing of new drugs, dosages, and drug combinations are continually being refined to increase effectiveness and decrease adverse side effects. - Alternative Therapies
Sources offering treatment for cancer are abundant: from your neighbor’s cousin to your coworkers; magazine articles; and best/worst of all—the Internet. These sources recommend vitamins, herbs, massage therapy, acupuncture, and more. While some of the suggestions may be helpful, others may interfere with your treatment or cause harm.
Researching your cancer as much as possible is a good idea. You want to be a knowledgeable patient. But be cautious and discuss what you learn with your doctor.