Removal of the surrounding lymph nodes is sometimes needed. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy are sometimes necessar y too. Recovery from orchiectomy generally takes one or two weeks, Wilson says. If lymph node removal is needed, recovery can take up to three months. The risk of recurrence is highest in the first two years after treatment, the American Cancer Society says, and patients should be followed closely during this time.
Chemotherapy can damage testicular function and cause infertility.
Sperm banking is often offered to chemotherapy patients beforehand. In the past, some who underwent testicle removal opted for a testicular prosthesis, saying it helps improve body image. But such prostheses are not approved for marketing, says Sharon Snider, a spokeswoman for the Food and Drug Administration. Mentor Corp. in Santa Barbara hopes to begin a clinical study of a saline-filled testicular implant, a representative says. Meanwhile, Kenny, a two-time survivor of testicular cancer, says nothing should dissuade men from seeking help if they suspect testicular cancer.