If a suspicious growth is found, a surgeon may remove the tumor together with the testicle and spermatic cord. Extensive testing, including chest x-ray, CT scan, special blood testing, and others, are needed to determine if the cancer has spread outside of the testicles or the scrotal sac.

In addition to the removal of the testicle (orchiectomy), other types of treatments may include radiation therapy or chemotherapy, especially if the cancer of the testicle has spread to other parts of the body.

While not all treatment options for testicular cancer cause sterility, a patient is strongly encouraged to talk to his physician about semen banking (a procedure that freezes semen for future use) before undergoing treatments, especially if chemotherapy or radiation therapy are part of the physician’s prescribed course of action.

The side effects experienced during and after testicular cancer treatment vary, depending on the course of treatment. Ask your doctor about the individual side effects you may experience. Many side effects will be temporary.