When is chemotherapy recommended for testicular cancer?

Doctors first identify the cancer type and assess the testicle, lymph nodes and other areas with examinations, scans and blood tests for tumour markers. Surgery to remove the affected testicle is often part of diagnosis and treatment. Chemotherapy may then treat cancer outside the testicle, clear disease that remains after surgery, or reduce the chance of recurrence in selected situations. The choice also reflects kidney function, hearing, nerve health, lung health, fertility plans and the person’s ability to tolerate treatment. Some people may instead have close monitoring or another treatment approach.

Ask how the cancer type, stage, markers and scans affect your options. Discuss sperm banking before chemotherapy if future fertility matters, because treatment can affect sperm production. Review infection precautions, blood tests, medicines, hydration, nausea control and the schedule for follow-up scans and marker checks. Bring a complete list of medicines and supplements.

Call the treatment team urgently for fever, chills, breathlessness, chest pain, severe vomiting, confusion, reduced urine, or bleeding. Sudden testicular or abdominal pain, leg swelling, or new breathing symptoms also warrants prompt medical assessment.

What do my tumour markers and scans show? Is chemotherapy needed now or can monitoring be considered? How could treatment affect fertility, hearing, nerves or kidney function?