As of: February 19, 2024, 11:45 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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The chances of recovery from tumors of the testicles are good thanks to early detection through palpation and various treatment options.
Every year, around 4,060 patients in Germany are diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Compared to other cancers, testicular cancer occurs early in life, usually between the ages of 25 and 45.
For affected men, the necessary removal of the testicle can initially cause fear and concern, especially if they still want to have children.
According to the
German Cancer Society (DKG),
the procedure has no effect on sexuality and potency, nor on the ability to father children .
In 95 percent of men, testicular cancer only occurs in one of the two testicles, so that the second one can take over full function.
To significantly improve the chances of recovery, testicle removal is important as the first step in therapy.
In the best case scenario, the tumor can be completely removed - early detection through regular scanning also plays a crucial role.
If the cancer is already in an advanced stage, further treatment measures are used.
Testicular cancer: Three important treatment options
95 percent of men develop a malignant tumor in only one of the two testicles.
By completely removing the affected testicle, the prospects for recovery are promising.
© Science Photo Library/Imago
Doctors use the following treatment methods to treat testicular cancer:
Surgery and removal of the cancerous testicle (orchiectomy)
radiotherapy
chemotherapy
A combination of the three forms of therapy can also be helpful, depending on the clinical picture.
Which further therapeutic measures make sense depends primarily on the type of tumor - i.e. whether it is a so-called seminoma or non-seminoma - and the extent of the cancer at the time of diagnosis.
The type of tumor also determines therapy for testicular cancer
Around 90 percent of all malignant tumors in the male testicles originate from germ cells, which is why they are also referred to as germ cell tumors.
A distinction is made between two possible tumor groups: seminomas and non-seminomas.
What type of tumor it is can only be determined by examining the tissue (histology) of the tumor.
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Treat testicular cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
The usual procedure for treating testicular cancer is, in the first step, surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy).
Only in cases of very advanced tumors can the removal of the diseased testicle be temporarily postponed while chemotherapy is carried out first.
The risk of a possible tumor relapse (recurrence) can be reduced by around 20 percent after the operation through chemotherapy with medication, such as the active ingredient cisplatin, or radiation in the back of the abdomen along the abdominal aorta.
mRNA vaccine could also help with testicular cancer
A combination of existing immunotherapy with CAR T cells and an mRNA vaccine that has not yet been approved could stop tumor growth in the future, including in testicular cancer.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.