What was once a deadly cancer 30 years ago is now one of the most curable types of human solid cancers. Current treatment often involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy in various combinations as described below. This cancer rarely occurs in both testes. It is crucial that young men with abnormalities of the testis be evaluated by a urologist immediately. The cure rate for testis cancer is so high that we cannot afford to allow any cases to be missed.
Patients usually notice a nodule, hardness, or painless swelling of the testis.
Multidisciplinary treatment modalities are often required for cure of the tumor. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have a particular role in the management of testicular tumors. As a means of establishing local control and firmly establishing the diagnosis, removal of the testis by a urologist is preferred as the first step. The pathologist examines the tissue under the microscope and provides a detailed description of the type of cancer present. After obtaining CT scans and other studies, the multidisciplinary team of urologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists at Wayne State University recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.