Younger men between the ages of 25 and 30 are usually affected by testicular cancer.Proper treatment can often cure this cancer.Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.Learn how to treat the stage of the cancer that is affecting you if you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Step 1: The tumor needs to be removed.
When it comes to testicular cancer, biopsies are rarely done because they increase the risk of the cancer spreading.The doctor will remove the tumor in a process called a radical inguinal orchiectomy if a tumor is detected via a clinical diagnosis.The testicle and spermatic cord will be removed.You can get a testicular implant if you remove the entire testicle.The tissue is sent to a lab to be examined for cancer cells.
Step 2: Get the tests.
If the analysis of the tumor shows that there are cancer cells, then your doctor will order a number of tests, including x-rays, scans, and bone scans.The doctor will need to take pictures of your body.If the cancer has spread, the tests will be used.The doctor can use these tests to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.If there is a suspicion of spread to the thorax, a computed tomographic (CT) Scan is recommended.If the treatment is working and the cancer is not returning after treatment, then it is a success.
Step 3: Determine the stage of the disease.
There are different stages of testicular cancer.The severity of the cancer is determined by the stage.The stage is determined by the cancer cells being studied in a lab.When you are diagnosed with cancer, your treatment will always be staged because it depends on the stage of the disease.Stage 0 testicular cancer is caused by abnormal cells in the testicles.At this stage, the cells are just abnormal.This could be a testicular scar.Stage I cancer can be found after the testicle is removed.When the cancer is in the testicle, it's Stage I cancer.Stage I may be in the scrotum.Surgery and close monitoring may be all that is needed for stage I.Chemo or radiation can also be used.Stage II cancer can be found in the testicles, scrotum, and spermatic cord.Radiation therapy is used to treat Stage II.Mild chemotherapy can also be used.Stage III cancer has the same markers as stage II but has spread to other parts of the body.There are tumors in other parts of the body that need to be removed with surgery.Three cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin may be used in combination therapy for cancer.Men with compromised pulmonary function have to be careful if they are on bleomycin because it can cause lung injury.
Step 4: The treatment team should be developed.
When you receive treatment for testicular cancer, you will work with a treatment team.Depending on the stage of your cancer, your team will vary.There will be a urologist, physician assistant, nurses, and nurse practitioners.You will have a radiation oncologist if you have radiation therapy.You will have a medical oncologist if you have cancer.Social workers, mental health professionals, physical therapists, and other professionals are also possible.
Step 5: AnNIH recognized cancer treatment center is what you should choose.
If you want to receive treatment for testicular cancer, make sure you choose a place that actively treats the disease.Some hospitals and treatment centers specialize in other types of cancer.The distinction is important because any National Institutes of Health recognized cancer treatment center will provide excellent treatment.The treatment centers are called the National Cancer Institutes.There are 69 cancer centers in the country.The best places to get cancer treatment.Clinical and basic science research is usually done by these institutions, and they focus on the treatment of all types of cancer.
Step 6: Use caution.
Careful observation is a common treatment for cancer that is not found in the body.You may not need any other treatment after the testicle is removed.For the next decade, you will have regular check ups to make sure the cancer doesn't return.After your surgery, you will get exams and blood tests every six to nine months.You will have x-rays and scans to check for cancer in other parts of your body.If cancer cells are found in other parts of your body, radiation and chemotherapy will be used.
Step 7: Radiation therapy is recommended.
Stage II cancer can be treated with radiation therapy.Radiation therapy uses high-powered x-rays and other radiation to kill cancer cells.Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells.The machine is placed over the affected area.Radiation therapy is painless.Radiation can be used to kill any cancer cells that may be in the lysies.Stage III is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Step 8: Undergo the treatment.
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment for testicular cancer that is injected directly into the vein with a needle.The injected drug gets to the cancer cells through the body.The treatment finds and kills cancer cells that are not attached to the tumor.Stage I, II, or III cancer can be treated with Chemotherapy when the cancer has moved beyond the testicle.Chemo won't be used if the cancer is only in the testicle.When the cancer is recurrent, Chemotherapy is used.In cycles of treatment and rest, cisplatin based therapy is administered.It can take weeks or months to complete the treatment.
Step 9: The lymph nodes are in your abdomen.
If you have a type of cancer called stage I or II, you will need to have the lymph nodes in your abdomen removed.This is done in a way called a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.The surgery can be done in the abdominal region or the back of the abdomen.Damage to nearby nerves can cause problems with ejaculation.
Step 10: Surgeries related to go.
The cancer may have moved to other parts of the body if you have certain types of advanced stage testicular cancer.If the cancer cells have not been killed, you may need to have surgery on other parts of your body.If you have tumors in your lungs, brain, or other organs, you may have to have them removed.
Step 11: Get a second opinion.
If you don't have life-threatening cancer, you may want to get a second opinion.It is possible to feel confident that your cancer diagnosis is correct with a second opinion.A second opinion can give you an idea of treatment options.You can get a second opinion if the doctor tells you that you have cancer.You have a say in your health and treatment.You can get a second opinion if you don't feel comfortable with a treatment option.
Step 12: Sperm banking is something to look into.
If you want to have children even though you have testicular cancer, you may consider sperm banking.Testicular cancer does not mean you will be infertile; however, changes due to the cancer, chemotherapy, or surgery may cause low sperm counts, ejaculation problems, and infertility.If you want your partner to be impregnated via artificial insemination, you need to freeze samples of your sperm.Sperm banking is always offered for advanced stages of testicular cancer.
Step 13: Testosterone replacement therapy is recommended.
If you have had one or both testicles removed, you may need testosterone replacement therapy.testosterone can be given as an injection, patch, or gel.Testosterone replacement therapy can help improve your sex life.Low levels of testosterone can cause fatigue, lower sex drive, reduced growth of body hair, and weight gain.The side effects of TRT are mild.Increased need to urinate, swollen breasts, and oily skin are some of the symptoms you may experience.Discuss the risks of TRT with your doctor.
Step 14: Treat ejaculation in a retrograde manner.
If the cancer spreads, you may experience retrograde ejaculation.There is a condition where the semen travels back into your body into the bladder.You can orgasm, but not with a partner.You can strengthen the bladder with medicine to treat retrograde ejaculation.Artificial insemination can be used to have a baby with your partner.
Step 15: There is a clinical trial.
As part of your cancer treatment, you may want to do a research clinical trial.Cancer treatments can be used to get the newest treatments that aren't available to the general public.Doctors and researchers benefit from clinical trials.Ask your doctor if the hospital does clinical trials.Clinical trials run by cancer organizations and cancer research hospitals can be found online.It's possible that clinical trials aren't right for everyone.Talk to your doctor.