The short answer
Testicular cancer treatment usually starts with surgery to remove the affected testicle. Depending on the type and stage, this may be followed by surveillance, chemotherapy, or radiation. Cure rates are very high. Consider fertility preservation first.
Treatment usually starts with surgery to remove the affected testicle.
After surgery, options include close monitoring (surveillance), chemotherapy, or radiation.
Cure rates for testicular cancer are very high.
One healthy testicle is usually enough for hormones and fertility.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Testicular cancer treatment usually starts with surgery to remove the affected testicle. What follows — monitoring, chemotherapy, or radiation — depends on the type and stage. Cure rates are very high, and one healthy testicle is usually enough for hormones and fertility.
Surgery first
The usual first step is surgery to remove the affected testicle (an orchiectomy). Examining the removed testicle also confirms the exact type of cancer, which guides what comes next.
Treatment usually starts with removing the affected testicle.
What follows
Depending on the type and stage, next steps may include:
- Surveillance — close monitoring with treatment only if the cancer returns
- Chemotherapy — to treat or prevent spread
- Radiation — used for certain types
Fertility and outlook
One healthy testicle is usually enough for hormones and fertility, but because some treatments can affect fertility, ask about sperm banking before treatment. Cure rates for testicular cancer are very high, even when it has spread.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What is the first treatment?
Testicular cancer treatment usually begins with surgery to remove the affected testicle. Examining it also helps confirm the type of cancer.
▸What happens after surgery?
Depending on the type and stage, next steps may include close monitoring (surveillance), chemotherapy, or radiation to treat or prevent spread.
▸Will treatment affect fertility?
One healthy testicle is usually enough for hormones and fertility, but some treatments can affect fertility. Sperm banking before treatment is worth considering.
▸What are the cure rates?
Cure rates for testicular cancer are very high, even when it has spread, thanks to effective surgery and chemotherapy.
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