Testicular cancer

Cancer of the testis is the most common cancer in men aged 20 to 39, but can occur in older men as well. Survival is now nearly 100 percent for low-stage disease. Since the discovery of effective chemotherapy drugs for this type of cancer in the 1970s, even patients with advanced disease have a good chance for survival. Detection of a lump in the testis, which may or may not be painful, is the most common presenting symptom. Monthly testicular self-exam is recommended by the American Urological Association.

When testicular cancer is detected on physical examination, the first treatment is generally surgical removal. The treatment plan then varies greatly based on the cancer stage and type. The next appropriate steps in certain situations are either surgical removal of the abdominal lymph nodes, radiation to this area, or systemic chemotherapy. Evaluation by multiple cancer specialists is appropriate. Excellent outcomes can be expected even if the cancer is detected at an advanced stage.