What are the treatment options for testicular cancer?

The plan depends on the type of tumour, whether it is limited to the testicle or has spread, and how the cancer behaves on scans and laboratory tests. Testicle removal surgery is often the first treatment and also provides tissue for a precise diagnosis. Some people then have close monitoring, while others need additional treatment to reduce the chance of cancer remaining elsewhere.

Chemotherapy uses medicines that travel through the bloodstream to treat cancer cells beyond the original site. Radiotherapy uses targeted radiation and may be considered for selected tumour types or situations. Your team will discuss expected effects, including changes in energy, sexual health and fertility.

Ask about fertility before surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Fertility preservation can include storing sperm before treatment when this is suitable for you. Tell the team about medicines, other health conditions and your priorities around work, relationships and future family plans. Keep a written list of appointments and symptoms, and ask which side effects need a same-day call.

Contact your cancer team promptly for fever, chills, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, uncontrolled vomiting, severe pain or bleeding. During chemotherapy, a fever can signal an infection that needs urgent assessment. After surgery, increasing redness, swelling, drainage or worsening pain around the wound also needs medical advice.

Which tumour type do I have, and what did the scans show? Is surgery the next step? Would chemotherapy or radiotherapy be useful afterward? How could treatment affect fertility, hormone levels or sexual function? Should I arrange fertility preservation before treatment, and how will follow-up check for recurrence?