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Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer originates within the testicles, which are responsible for producing sperm for reproduction and the production of male sex hormones like testosterone. It is most often found in men ages 15 to 44 years.
The cells that eventually form sperm (termed germ cells) are the origin of most testicular cancers. The cancer is relatively rare but is highly treatable and with early diagnosis, testicular cancer can be cured. To catch this cancer early, men are encouraged to learn about early signs, learn how to do a testicular self-exam.
Orange County Radiation Oncology will take careful steps to stage and grade the tumor to assess the best way to create and manage your treatment plan. Our goal is to achieve the very best outcome while preserving your quality of life.

Types of testicular cancers include:

  • Germ cell tumors (most common)
  • Seminomas
  • Non-seminomas
  • Carcinoma in-situ
  • Stromal tumors

What are the risk factors for Testicular Cancer?

It may not be possible to avoid risk factors for testicular cancer. The best plan is to catch it early. Men with the highest risk are:

  • Men with a father or brother who had testicular cancer
  • Men with a history of testes that don’t drop before birth (also known as undescended testes or cryptorchidism)
  • Abnormal cells in the testicle called germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), most often found during an infertility test
Learn More About Our Approach to Cancer Care

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer Include:

  • A painless lump in the testicle (the most common sign)
  • Swelling of the testicle (with or without pain) or a feeling of weight in the scrotum
  • Early onset puberty
  • Pain or a dull ache in the testicle, scrotum, or groin
  • Tenderness or changes in the male breast tissue
  • Loss of energy

Very few men who have testicular cancer felt pain at first. Many men do not tell their health care provider about these signs. On average, men wait for about five months before saying anything. Since the tumor can spread during that time, it is vital to call us.

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714-835-8520

Testicular Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

At Orange County Radiation Oncology, once cancer has been diagnosed, our specialists may order diagnostic testing and imaging to help determine the stage of the disease. Testicular cancer treatment depends on the extent of the cancer within your body. At Orange County Radiation Oncology, we use the most advanced therapies available to treat testicular cancer. An individualized plan of care may include multiple types of treatments.

Our oncology specialists may order the following tests to identify testicular cancer:

  • Abdominal and pelvic CT scan
  • Chest x-ray
  • PET scan
  • MRI scan
  • Bone scan
  • Blood tests for tumor markers
  • Ultrasound of the scrotum
  • Testicular biopsy

Depending on the type and stage (severity) of the testicular cancer, the following treatments may be necessary:
Active Surveillance – The earliest stages of testicular cancer may not require immediate treatment beyond surgery. Instead, we will schedule regular appointments to monitor recurrence of the disease to avoid unnecessary or excessive treatment.
Surgery (Orchiectomy) – Removal of part or all of one or both testicles.
Radiation – Any remaining cancer cells left after surgery are destroyed with high-energy radiation beams. For some testicular cancers, treating with chemotherapy at the same time can make radiation therapy work better. It is possible to receive radiation therapy before, during or after surgical intervention. Also, when surgery is not possible, radiation can be used to help slow the growth of the tumor.
Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy (chemo) are anti-cancer drugs that may be given intravenously (injected into your vein) or by mouth. The drugs travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells in most parts of the body. Chemotherapy can sometimes be given before, during or after surgery. At Orange County Radiation Oncology, our team provide extensive education and supportive care through your therapy.
Targeted Treatments – Targeted drugs work differently from chemo drugs. They sometimes work when chemo drugs don’t, and they often have different side effects. They can be used either along with chemotherapy or by themselves if chemotherapy is no longer working. Targeted treatment options are determined by further genetic testing of the tumor cells. This type of testing is usually done on the biopsied tissue of the tumor cells.
Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy is the use of medicines to help a person’s own immune system better recognize and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy can be used to treat some people with advanced testicular cancer.

Talk To A Team Member Today

We know you have a choice about where you get your cancer care but we hope you’ll choose us.