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Testicular Cancer Treatment
in NJ, CT, MD & the Washington, D.C., Area
Just as there are several types of testicular cancer, there are multiple effective approaches for treating the disease. The expert oncologists/hematologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates offer compassionate, personalized cancer care to people in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area who are dealing with cancer or blood disorders. For those who have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, RCCA oncologists can offer second opinions, determine testicular cancer stages, and develop and implement personalized testicular cancer treatment plans.
Staging Testicular Cancer
The process of formulating an individualized treatment plan involves many steps. Following diagnosis, oncologists will “stage” the cancer, drawing on results from evaluations including physical examination, bloodwork, imaging studies, and biopsy to determine the nature and extent of the cancer. This information is critical in identifying the optimal treatment approach for a particular patient.
There are four main stages of testicular cancer:
- Stage 0: Abnormal cells are found
- Stage 1: Active cancer is found in cells
- Stage 2: Cancer has spread outside the testicle but remains contained to the scrotum
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread to nearby or distant parts of the body
Options for Testicular Cancer Treatment
Based on the cancer’s stage, the patient’s age and overall health, and other consideraitons, oncologists will choose from a wide range of therapeutic options in developing a comprehensive treatment plan. In many cases, a patient will receive more than one therapy, such as surgery followed by radiation or chemotherapy. In other circumstances, such as when the cancer is sown to be a slow-growing type, oncologists and their patients may opt to start with “active surveillance,” which entails closely monitoring the patient at regular intervals rather than starting treatment right away. However, if the cancer is a more-aggressive type or has spread beyond the testicle, treatment will be initiated. Options include:
Surgery
Testicular cancer surgery may be performed to remove the testicle, the spermatic cord, and any tumors or affected lymph nodes.
Radiation Therapy
Doctors will use localized radiation therapy to kill cancer cells in the testicle and within lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy
Powerful drugs are taken intravenously or by mouth to kill cancer cells, in chemotherapy treatments.
Targeted Therapy
With targeted therapy, drugs are used to specifically target cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unaffected.
The oncologists of Regional Cancer Care Associates provide whole-person care. In part, this means that they have extensive experience and practical approaches for helping patients deal with the side effects of chemotherapy or other treatments. Regional Cancer Care Associates also provides support with everything from coping strategies to information on participating in clinical trials.
Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, patients with localized testicular cancer have a 99% five-year relative survival rate. By contrast, patients with testicular cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body have a 73% five-year relative survival rate. Because of the importance of early diagnosis highlighted by those statistics, the oncology specialists of Regional Cancer Care Associates encourage awareness of testicular cancer symptoms, as well as regular self-examinations. An appointment with a primary care practitioner is an essential first step after noticing any of the following:
- Lump in the testicle, often without pain
- Change in size or feeling (i.e., one testicle may be larger or firmer than the other)
- Swelling in the scrotum or one or both legs
- Pressure, weight, or ache in the scrotum or groin area
- Breast soreness, or swelling, lumps, or other changes noticed in the breasts
- Fluid collecting in the testicles
- Early signs of puberty in boys
- Belly or lower back pain
Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer
Several factors have been shown to increase the possibility of developing testicular cancer. Of course, these risk factors do not guarantee the development of testicular cancer, but they do provide reasons for extra vigilance. Here are some of the most common risk factors for testicular cancer:
- Age: Patients usually are between 15 and 45 years old
- Personal or family history: A man previously diagnosed with testicular cancer is at increased risk, as are men who have a close relative who developed the disease
- Undescended testicle: This uncommon physiologic condition and other types of unusual testicle development can heighten the risk of contracting testicular cancer
- HIV infection: Having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) may increase the likelihood of developing testicular cancer
- Race and ethnicity: White men are at higher risk than other racial groups, and testicular cancer is more prevalent in Europe and the U.S. than elsewhere in the world
- Klinefelter Syndrome: Patients with this rare genetic disorder have an extra X chromosome and may be more likely to have testicular cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, patients with localized testicular cancer have a 99% five-year relative survival rate. By contrast, patients with testicular cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body have a 73% five-year relative survival rate.
Seek Testicular Cancer Treatment from Experts
Patients can obtain additional information about their testicular cancer diagnosis from the experienced doctors of Regional Cancer Care Associates. At RCCA’s 25 community-based care center throughout New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, highly experienced, compassionate oncologists and hematologists offer patients the latest evidence-based treatments for testicular cancer and other cancers and blood disorders. Visit one of the many locations today for more information or contact us to learn more.
Regional Cancer Care Associates — Cancer care you can trust
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) offers high-quality, comprehensive and advanced treatment close to home. At RCCA, you’ll be treated by experts who are part of one of the largest cancer care networks in the country. We focus on every patient, individually, and work with you and your family to make sure your care is second to none.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (844) 346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Physicians SPECIALIZED IN Testicular Cancer
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