The testicles are glands that produce male sex hormones and immature sperm. Testicular cancer almost always develops from the germ cells that produce the immature sperm, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI also states that testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 20 to 35 years old. There are three main treatment options for testicular cancer, according to the American Cancer Society: radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. One or more treatment methods may be used, depending on the stage of cancer growth.
Surgery
The primary treatment for testicular cancer is surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic, which is clinically referred to as a radical inguinal orchiectomy. In fact, doctors generally remove the testicle in which the cancer is located, regardless of the stage of cancer growth. The incision is made in the groin area, through which the surgeon pulls through the testicle. Depending on the stage of cancer growth, the surgeon may also remove the lymph nodes in the groin area. Because there are several nerves in this area, there is the risk that these nerves may be severed, which may result in difficulty ejaculating, though not in maintaining an erection. Surgery may be done alone, as is often the case in early-stage testicular cancer, or in conjunction with another treatment method.
Radiation Therapy
In radiation therapy, cancer cells are exposed to high-energy X-rays, or other types of radiation, which are able to kill fast-growing cells like the cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute describes two types of radiation therapy: external and internal. External radiation therapy involves using a machine that emits radiation, which is placed near or against the testicles. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.
Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill the cancer cells. Like radiation, the drugs used for chemotherapy generally target highly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. However, they can also kill other highly dividing cells such as cells that line the stomach or hair follicles. The death of these cells leads to the common side effects of chemotherapy, which is nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. Chemotherapy is administered despite its side effects because if its effectiveness at eradicating cancer. The Mayo Clinic adds that there are multiple drugs available that can reduce the severity of side effects, and are often taken in during the chemotherapy treatment period.
