This section explores the available treatment options for testicular cancer.
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Overview
Most people have an orchidectomy to remove the affected testicle, and this is usually done to confirm a diagnosis. If the cancer has not spread, this may be the only treatment needed. After surgery, you will need regular check-ups and tests to monitor for any signs that the cancer has come back. This is called active surveillance.
If the cancer has spread, after an orchidectomy you may have chemotherapy or more surgery to remove lymph nodes in the abdomen (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection or RPLND), or radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy is not used very often to treat testicular cancer. It may be used instead of chemotherapy or surgery to treat cancer that has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Learn about radiation therapy or explore our resources in Arabic, Greek, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese.
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Key resource
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More resources
A/Prof Peter Grimison, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; Marc Diocera, Genitourinary Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Peter Heathcote, Urologist, Brisbane Urology Clinic, QLD; Dr Michael Huo, Radiation Oncologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; A/Prof Joseph McKendrick, Medical Oncologist, Epworth Eastern Hospital, VIC; Dr Tonia Mezzini, Sexual Health Physician, East Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SA; Dominic Oen, Clinical Psychologist, Bankstown Cancer Centre, NSW; Dr Benjamin Thomas, Urological Surgeon, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne, VIC; Paul Zawa, Consumer.
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