Testicular Cancer Treatment

Testicular cancer usually occurs in men of younger ages, ranging from 15-39 years and the chances of developing testicular cancer demur with age. However, the number of patients with testicular cancer has been on a rise.

Testicular cancer refers to the tumors in the testicles which are likely to grow quickly as they can double in size in just about 20-30 days. Studies have also shown that the tumor spreads more quickly through the lymph nodes. If detected at an early stage the curable percentage has reached 99% and survival rates have reached 90% in case of spread of the cancerous cells due to availability of new treatment methods. Testicular cancer treatments have been developed for the past 20years because of which it acts as a model for other types of cancers.

Testicular cancer is of two types, namely seminoma and nonseminoma, of which seminoma alone accounts for about 40% of testicular cancer. The nonseminoma is further classified into choriocarcinoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumors

A low fat diet is recommended which includes fruits, vegetables and grains. Tomato’s and watermelons are good sources of lycopene which help in the prevention of testicular cancer.

The various treatment plans available for testicular cancer based on the stage can be enlisted as follows:

• Orchiectomy: This is the standard operation which is performed for the removal of the testicle along with some part of the spermatic cord

• Radiation: Due to advances in chemotherapy this is a less used method. However, about half of the seminoma types of tumors are extremely receptive of radiation. Radiation is limited as there are some long term risks of secondary cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It is due to this reason that is used only as a preventive measure (adjuvant therapy)

• Chemotherapy: This technique is used for all types of testicular cancers as they are highly responsive to it. This method helps in wiping out the disease from the body. The complete treatment may last from one week to three months

• RPLND refers to retroperitoneal lymph node dissection which is used for the treatment of non-seminoma type tumors which have no indication of spread.
This method helps in the identification of the stage and route of spread of the disease.

Some of the side effects of testicular cancer any include fertility and sexuality which must also be looked upon and discussed with the doctor. It is also advisable that all men should perform monthly testicular self-examinations in order to identify any strangeness.

Copyright 2009