Testicular cancer is most frequently diagnosed in men ages 20 to 34. Most testicular cancers can be cured, even if diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Almost all testicular cancers start in the germ cells. The two main types of testicular germ cell tumors are seminomas and nonseminomas. These 2 types grow and spread differently and are often treated differently. Nonseminomas tend to grow and spread more quickly than seminomas. Seminomas are more sensitive to radiation.

The following types of treatment are used:

Surgery

Surgery to remove the testicle (inguinal orchiectomy) is critical for initial diagnosis and staging.

Surgery can also be performed on the lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum in specific cases to evaluate and cure a tumor that has spread.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the area of the body with cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. Chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream and reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy).

Surveillance

Surveillance is closely following a patient's condition without giving any adjuvant (additional) treatment after initial removal of the testicle unless there are changes in test results. Surveillance is employed in early stage prostate cancer and exams and tests are given on a regular schedule to check for cancer recurrence or progression.