Testicular Cancer
Alternate Names : Germ Cell Cancer of the Testicle, Seminoma
What are the treatments for the disease?
Testicular cancer treatment is extremely effective. The cancer can be cured even if the disease has spread to other parts of the body. In addition to removal of the affected testicle, treatment may include:
additional surgery. During surgery, lymphatic tissue in the abdomen is removed for testing. If lymph nodes are still suspected of harboring cancer after treatment, these may be removed as well.
radiation therapy. This therapy is given to men with seminomas, especially in the early stages. In some cases, chemotherapy will be given in addition to radiation therapy.
chemotherapy. This treatment is given to men with nonseminomas or seminomas that are large or have spread. Chemotherapy is often used when other treatments have not been effective. Cisplatin, bleomycin, and etoposide are the medications most commonly used. They are often used in combination.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects can vary widely. Specific side effects depend on the particular treatment. Orchiectomy, or removal of the testicle, may cause the man distress. However, removal of the testicle does not cause erectile dysfunction. Lymph node removal can cause a reduction in ejaculate, or the amount of fluid ejected with orgasm.
Radiation therapy can cause:
fatigue that goes away after treatment is completed
inflammation of tissue where radiation passes through
infertility, or the inability to impregnate a woman. This may be temporary or permanent.
Chemotherapy may cause:
nausea and vomiting
immune system suppression, which makes the man more susceptible to infection.
infertility, which may be temporary or permanent
hair loss, known as alopecia
What happens after treatment for the disease?
The man will recover from side effects of treatment within a few months. He will able to resume his normal activities at that time.
How is the disease monitored?
After therapy, the man will be watched for signs that indicate the cancer has come back. The frequency of monitoring will decrease over time.
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