Testicular Cancer Melbourne
Testicles are responsible for the production of male hormones (mostly testosterone) and sperm. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young Australian men.
Testicular cancer starts as an abnormal growth or tumour that develops in one or both testicles. There are several types of testicular cancer, but the most common is the germ cell tumour. Men with undescended testes at birth are at an increased risk of testis cancer.
Treatment options
Testicular cancer is a highly treatable cancer and can be effectively treated, and often cured, if diagnosed and treated early. Advanced testicular cancer can also be cured with treatment.
Treatments include:
Orchiectomy (testis removal). The surgeon removes the malignant testis and spermatic cord Chemotherapy. Prescribed after surgery to treat remaining cancer cells in the abdomen, chest, or lymph glands.
Lymph Node Dissection. The surgeon removes affected lymph glands in the abdomen.
Side effects
A testicle produces enough sperm and hormones that men only require one testicle. Testicular cancer and the removal of one testicle should not alter your ability to have sex or have children. Men should bank sperm before undergoing chemotherapy, or if removal of both testicles is required.
