Testicular cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. As with most cancers, it is essential that the patient see a urologist when a marked increase in the size of a testicle is noticed, in order to address the disease as soon as possible. Treatment will require orchidectomy or removal of the testicle, and fertility preservation techniques are now available.
Early detection of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is an aggressive tumor which, if not diagnosed early, progresses rapidly. It mainly affects men between 15 and 35 years of age. However, in spite of being a serious disease, with adequate treatment the percentage of patients who are cured exceeds 90%.
The main symptom that raises suspicion of this type of cancer is a notable increase in the size of a testicle. In most cases, although not all, they are initially painless. However, the fact that testicular enlargement occurs makes it necessary to consult a urologist to confirm or rule out the suspicion of cancer.
Rapid diagnosis of testicular cancer
The diagnosis of testicular cancer begins with an examination by the urologist to rule out or confirm the tumor. If palpation reveals an abnormal mass, an urgent ultrasound scan is performed to clarify the diagnosis.
Personalized treatment for testicular cancer
Treatment of testicular cancer requires removal of the affected testicle or orchidectomy, which must be performed by a urologist trained in surgery. After analysis of the removed tissue, the medical oncologist will assess the progression of the cancer. Imaging of the chest and abdomen by computerized axial tomography (CT), in addition to a blood test with tumor markers, will be the tests that help to determine whether or not the cancer has spread to other organs.
The patient at high risk of recurrence receives two sessions of chemotherapy after the orchidectomy. This will reduce the risk of cancer recurrence to less than 5%. Once these chemotherapy sessions have been performed, the patient should be followed up with periodic consultations, every three months during the first two years.
If metastases are present, chemotherapy treatment should be started urgently for about four months. If at the end of the chemotherapy sessions a tumor lesion is still visible in diagnostic imaging tests, surgery will be performed to remove it.
It should be noted that, since chemotherapy treatment carries a risk of infertility, the patient is offered the possibility of cryopreserving semen. This will allow the patient to have children, if desired, years after the cancer has been treated. Another alternative is the possibility of placing a testicular prosthesis.