Testicular Cancer Treatment in Tyler, TX

Testicular cancer is a highly treatable cancer which occurs mainly in young men between the ages of 15-35. It can develop in one or both testicles and is rare compared with other types of cancers.

The testes, located in the scrotum, produce sex hormones and generate sperm for reproduction. Testicular cancer is usually detected by the individual while showering/bathing and during normal, everyday routine activities. The male will feel a fullness in the testicle and scrotum – the testicle will have a very firm, non-painful nodule; oftentimes, the entire testicle will feel like a stone/rock. These findings should prompt the individual to seek medical attention promptly. Most likely the doctor/medical provider will quickly order an ultrasound of the scrotum and testicles and then refer him to a urological specialist.

Young men should perform monthly self-exams as a screening tool. While in the shower and using your thumb and forefinger, look for any changes in shape, any lumps or nodules, unusual firmness, or tenderness.

Are you at Risk for Testicular Cancer?

Although this is a relatively rare cancer, you should be aware of the risk factors. Some of these risk factors include:

• A family history of testicular cancer
• A previous diagnosis in the other testicle
• Infertility
• History of undescended testicles which occur at birth affecting about 3-4% of male babies.
• Certain genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome
• Men with HIV or AIDS
• White Caucasian, American Indian, and Alaskan Native

What are the Tests for Diagnosis?

To properly diagnose testicular cancer, doctors will conduct a brief exam of your testicles, and do an ultrasound of the testicles, then refer you to a urological surgeon. In more detail, this process is outlined below:

• Dr. Williams will examine the testicles by feeling around the area for lumps or swelling. There are certain other disease processes that can cause an enlarged testicle and/or scrotum such as a torsion (twisted) of the testicle, epididymitis/orchitis (infection), or a hydrocele (fluid sac around the testicle).
• Blood will be drawn in the urology clinic as certain markers help detemine what type of cancer it may be (lactate dehydrogenase, alpha-feto protein, beta-HCG, etc.)–these “tumor markers” will be repeated weeks after the surgical removal of your testicle to aid in determining whether the cancer may have spread elsewhere in your body. 
• If a testicular ultrasound was not performed prior to seeing Dr. Williams, then he will obtain one as soon as possible, usually that day or the next, if he suspects cancer.
• Dr. Williams will also quickly order a CT scan of your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to investigate whether or not the cancer has had time to spread to another part of your body. 

What are My Treatment Options?

Depending on the type and stage of the cancer (among other factors), doctors can treat testicular cancer in a few different forms:

• Surgery– The testicle has to be removed in the operating while completely asleep under general anesthesia typically within a few short days. This involves the surgeon making an incision in your lower abdomen just above the crease close to your upper leg. It might seem more logical to remove the testicle through your scrotum, but the blood/lymphatic supply to the scrotum is different than it is to your testicle; and in doing so, there is a risk that the cancer could spread to uncommon places. This is called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. 
• Chemotherapy– This type of treatment is provided through IV and fed through the veins to target the cancer in the body.
• Radiation– This treatment involves energy radiation beams that are designed to target and kill the cancerous cells or at least slow them from spreading.
• Additional Surgery: Depending upon several factors (type of cancer, whether it has spread or not and how extensive it may be, follow up blood work/tumor markers, etc.), additional surgery may be recommended to remove suspicious areas within your abdomen and/or pelvis.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are looking for specialized treatment for testicular cancer near the Tyler, TX area, please contact board-certified urologist Dr. R. Clay Williamstoday at (903) 262-3900