Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer Treatment at Garnet Health

Are you facing the uncertainties of testicular cancer? After receiving a diagnosis of testicular cancer, you might experience strong emotions. But you don’t have to walk the path ahead alone. Our experienced and compassionate specialists will help you become educated about testicular cancer, answer your questions and explain treatment options. Become your own advocate with guidance from the experienced urologic oncologists at Garnet Health.

We’ll help you take into account your needs, goals and plans. We’ll help you learn more about fertility preservation, which is an important consideration for some patients. We believe you should have a complete picture before you make any final decisions, and we want you to feel fully confident in the care you receive.

What Is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer develops in the testes. Located below your penis in a pouch of loose skin (scrotum), your testes are glands that produce testosterone and sperm. These glands are made up of different types of cells, and each can undergo abnormal changes and transform into cancer. 

The most common type of testicular cancer is a germ cell tumor (GCT). There are two main subtypes of GCTs: seminoma and nonseminomatous. After examining a tissue sample under a microscope, your doctor can tell you what type of testicular cancer you have. This will influence your treatment options.

Testicular Cancer Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Symptoms

The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Other symptoms may include:

• A dull ache in your groin
• Sudden swelling in your scrotum
• Pain in your testicles or scrotum

Causes

Scientists continue to explore how cellular changes lead to testicular cancer, but its exact causes are largely unknown. One main risk factor is believed to be an undescended testicle. Other factors include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), intratubular germ cell neoplasia and a family history of testicular cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for testicular cancer can vary based on the type and stage of the tumor. A common approach is a radical inguinal orchiectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the cancerous testicle (a prosthetic, saline-filled testicle may be inserted in its place). If necessary, a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection may be performed to remove nearby lymph nodes. Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat seminoma testicular cancer after the testicle has been surgically removed. Chemotherapy may be considered to address testicular cancer that has spread.

Specialized Care in Your Neighborhood

Because testicular cancer is relatively uncommon, it is especially important for you to partner with an experienced and trusted specialist. You can find that expertise here in the Hudson Valley. The testicular cancer experts at Garnet Health will work together to help you find the best possible treatment plan for your unique needs.

Garnet Health provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and supportive care services for testicular cancer in Orange and Sullivan Counties, including Middletown, Harris and Callicoon, NY.