Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men. While it is a relatively rare type of cancer its incidence is growing over time. Men diagnosed with testicular cancer usually have a very high chance of cure and with prompt, modern treatment testicular cancer has close to 98% cure rate at 5 years.
The most common reason men with testicular cancer go to their doctor is because of a lump felt in their testicle but occasionally other symptoms such as testicular or abdominal pain lead to the diagnosis. Occasionally testis cancer is diagnosed during investigation for infertility.
Your referring doctor or urologist will organise some blood tests and an ultrasound scan of the scrotum. You will also need a CT scan of the abdomen and chest.
Testis cancer and its treatments can reduce fertility so it is important to consider sperm banking before any treatments are undertaken. If you have not yet had children, we strongly recommend sperm banking with a fertility specialist. See below for a list of links to local reputable fertility specialists who provide this service.
Testicular cancer has excellent cure rates but it does need prompt diagnosis and treatment. Most men will require radical orchidectomy (removal of the testis and spermatic cord – see procedure information sheet on this website) to make the diagnosis and most men are cured with this simple operation. See below to review testicular cancer statistics.
Studies have shown that giving chemotherapy even when there is no evidence of spread of cancer helps with long term cure rates from testicular cancer. Mr Thyer will arrange a referral for you to have a discussion with a medical oncologist regarding chemotherapy.
Men with evidence of spread of testicular cancer require further treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery (RPLND) or a combination of the these. If you are one of these men your urologist will discuss your case in a multi-disciplinary meeting to organise the most appropriate and prompt follow-up treatment for you.
If testicular cancer is suspected, please call Mr Thyer urgently. You can contact Mr Thyer via his rooms during working hours or after hours via the after hour’s nurse at Hollywood Hospital on (08) 9346 6000
Sperm Banking
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