Introduction: What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer develops when the cells in the testicles start to grow and multiply abnormally. This cancer is less common and usually affects younger men between ages 15 and 49. If undetected, testicular cancer can spread outside the testicles to other parts of the body.

 

Compared to black men, white men have a 5 times greater risk of developing the condition. A few risk factors like undescended testes, family history and previous history of testicular cancer can increase your risk of developing testicular cancer. A growth or lump in one or both testicles or a change in the shape or texture of testicles is one of the earliest signs of testicular cancer.

 

Testicular cancer can be of different types depending on the type of cells it begins. Germ cell testicular cancers begin in the germ cells (cells that create sperm) and account for nearly 95% of cases. Germ cell testicular cancers are of two types– seminomas and non-seminomas. Other less common testicular cancers include Leydig cell and Sertoli cell tumours.

 

How Is Testicular Cancer Treated?

Testicular cancers are one of the most treatable cancers. A multidisciplinary team of specialists will determine your treatment plan and help you make the right choices. 

 

Treatment options for testicular cancer are:

 

• Surgery

Surgery is the first preferred choice of treatment for testicular cancers. This is called orchidectomy. If nearby lymph nodes are affected, they may be removed during the surgery. If both testicles need to be removed, sperm banking is recommended to preserve the individual’s fertility.

 

• Monitoring

If you have undergone surgery for testicular cancer, the risk of its recurrence is low. However, you may require long-term monitoring and regular tests to detect the earliest sign of cancer recurrence.

 

• Radiation therapy

Radiotherapy is preferred in seminoma testicular cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdominal or pelvic areas.

 

• Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to damage or destroys cancer cells. It is recommended when there is a high risk of your testicular cancer returning or when cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy drugs may be given orally or through a drip (IV).

Around 23-30% of testicular cancers tend to recur two years after treatment completion. Your doctor and healthcare team will continue to monitor you regularly.

How Can Klarity Oncology Help?

Cancer is a personalised journey for each individual, so tailor-made solutions are the most effective. At Klarity Oncology, our dedicated cancer care team supports you throughout your testicular journey- from helping you find a private oncologist near you to getting priority appointments to see consultants face-to-face or through video consultations at a time convenient for you. 

 

We aim to redefine cancer care through compassion, support and technology to make it accessible, affordable and patient-centric.

Testicular Cancer Treatment Cost in the UK

The cost of testicular cancer treatment is affordable across the UK, especially for those having early-stage of the condition. High-grade testicular cancers with a high risk of recurrence may be expensive to treat as they require additional diagnostic and treatment procedures. The cost is also more affordable for patients with health insurance coverage.

How is Testicular Cancer Treatment Cost Calculated?

The cost of your testicular cancer treatment is calculated on several factors, such as:

• The type and stage of the cancer
• Grade and extent of spread
• Risk of recurrence
• Presence of comorbidities
• Treatment options suggested
• Surgery and hospital stay 
• Symptomatic treatments
• Monitoring and follow-up

 

Feel free to discuss your treatment costs with your doctor.

Talk to Us

If you need help with your testicular cancer treatment, follow-up or monitoring, reach out to our cancer care team at Klarity Oncology now!