WHAT IS TESTICULAR CANCER?
Testicular cancer is cancer of the testicle. It is often detected by patient noticing a lump or some swelling in the testicle.
SYMPTOMS OF TESTICULAR CANCER
Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump or swelling in the testicle, pain and discomfort in the testicle, swollen testicle, backaches or aches in groin area and fluid collection in the scrotum.
DIAGNOSING TESTICULAR CANCER
Testicular cancer is diagnosed with an ultrasound of the testicles.
TREATMENTS FOR TESTICULAR CANCER
Treatment will depend on the stage of cancer, the type of cancer, the side effects, patient’s preferences and overall health. Treatments include: Active surveillance (after removing the testicle with cancer), Chemotherapy (the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells), Radiation therapy (use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells) and Surgery.
- RADICAL INGUINAL ORCHIECTOMY
Surgery involves the removal of the testicle with cancer. This surgery is called radical inguinal orchiectomy. An incision is made just above the pubic area and the testicle is then gently removed from the scrotum through the opening. The tumour is removed entirely along with the testicle and spermatic cord. - RETROPERITONEAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION (RPLND)
Depending on the stage and type of cancer, lymph nodes around the large blood vessels (the aorta and inferior vena cava) at the back of the abdomen may be removed during the orchiectomy. Not all people with testicular cancer will need to have lymph nodes removed. A large incision is made in middle of the abdomen to remove the lymph nodes.
