At Fox Chase Cancer Center, our multidisciplinary medical team works closely to accurately diagnose your testicular cancer and help you understand your options so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
As a regional and national leader in cancer care, Fox Chase has a wealth of experience treating all types of testicular cancer.
Our skilled, multispecialty genitourinary oncology team meets regularly to review patient cases and map out a personalized treatment plan. We strive to treat your cancer in the least invasive way possible using innovative surgical techniques and combination therapies that give you the best chance of a successful outcome.
Treatment Options
Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the stage, type, and grade of your tumor; whether it has spread to other areas; and your age, health history, and personal goals. Your personalized treatment plan will be created after consultations with multiple physicians within our multidisciplinary team. Your testicular cancer care plan may include a combination of one or more of the following treatment options.
Surgery
Surgeons at Fox Chase Cancer Center are specially trained in performing nerve-sparing techniques to preserve fertility in men with testicular cancer. Primary treatment of testicular cancer generally involves surgical removal of the testicle through a small incision in the groin.
Depending on the type and stage of the testicular cancer, some lymph nodes also may be removed during a second operation called a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). During this operation, the nerves that control ejaculation and fertility may become disrupted. Although nerves do not control a man's ability to have normal orgasms or erections, injury may decrease his chances of fathering children. Men may consider sperm-banking (collecting and freezing sperm prior to testicular cancer treatment).
Radiation Therapy
The radiation oncologists at Fox Chase Cancer Center specialize in treating testicular cancer using the latest radiation therapies. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and may be given in combination with chemotherapy if you are unable to tolerate surgery.
Systemic Therapy
The medical oncologists at Fox Chase Cancer Center are regional and national leaders in the treatment of testicular cancer. As part of the multidisciplinary team, your medical oncologist will help to determine your personalized treatment plan, which may include systemic therapies such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy either as standard of care or as part of a clinical trial. All testicular cancers are sensitive to chemotherapy, while only some types respond to radiation therapy.
Clinical Trials
Our doctors are also actively involved in developing new therapies for treating testicular cancer. Through clinical trials, we are able to offer our patients access to promising treatments and experimental therapies that may not be available elsewhere. Ask your Fox Chase doctor if a clinical trial is right for you.