Testicular cancer natural history, complications and prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Testicular cancer Microchapters |
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Overview
Natural History
Complications
Testicular cancer may spread to other parts of the body. The most common sites include the:
- Abdomen
- Lungs
- Retroperitoneal area (the area near the kidneys)
- Spine
Complications of surgery can include:
- Bleeding and infection after surgery
- Infertility (if both testicles are removed)
If you are of childbearing age, ask your doctor about methods to save your sperm for use at a later date.
Prognosis
Regular follow-up exams are extremely important for men who have been treated for testicular cancer. Like all cancers, testicular cancer can recur (come back). Men who have had testicular cancer should see their doctor regularly and should report any unusual symptoms right away. Follow-up varies for different types and stages of testicular cancer. Generally, patients are checked frequently by their doctor and have regular blood tests to measure tumor marker levels. They also have regular x-rays and computed tomography, also called CT scans or CAT scans (detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine). Men who have had testicular cancer have an increased likelihood of developing cancer in the remaining testicle. Patients treated with chemotherapy may have an increased risk of certain types of leukemia, as well as other types of cancer. Regular follow-up care ensures that changes in health are discussed and that problems are treated as soon as possible.
Men with testicular cancer should discuss their concerns about sexual function and fertility with their doctor. It is important to know that men with testicular cancer often have fertility problems even before their cancer is treated. If a man has pre-existing fertility problems, or if he is to have treatment that might lead to infertility, he may want to ask the doctor about sperm banking (freezing sperm before treatment for use in the future). This procedure allows some men to have children even if the treatment causes loss of fertility.