Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer Care at UVM Cancer Center

Testicular cancer occurs when cancer cells grow in one or both testicles (testes), the male sex organs that make and store sperm. Though rare, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among males between the ages of 15 and 35 in the Unites States. It is also one of the most curable types of cancer.

At University of Vermont Cancer Center, you’ll receive advanced testicular cancer care from trusted experts. Our team provides a patient-centered approach that includes comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment and support for you and your family. Our experts develop a personalized treatment plan that may include enrollment in clinical trials only available at leading programs nationwide.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As a leading cancer program in the region, we offer:

Expert care: You receive services from highly skilled urologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists — all specialized in even complex types of testicular cancer. As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are also active researchers and physician-leaders.
Innovation: We participate in prestigious cancer research networks and clinical trials that offer additional care options for difficult-to-treat cancers.
Convenience: Whenever possible we schedule your appointments with multiple members of your care team on the same day. Our network of providers gives you access to cancer services in clinic locations throughout the region, so you can get leading-edge cancer care without having to travel far.

What Increases Your Risk for Testicular Cancer?

Risk factors for testicular cancer include:

An undescended testicle (a testicle that has not descended from the abdomen into the scrotum)
Klinefelter syndrome (a genetic condition that produces an extra X chromosome in males)
A personal or family history of testicular cancer

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Common symptoms of testicular cancer include:

A swelling and/or lump in one or both testicles.
A heavy feeling in the scrotum.
A dull pain or feeling of pressure in the lower belly or groin.

Diagnosing Testicular Cancer

If your doctor suspects that you may have testicular cancer, they will order a range of tests to confirm the diagnosis. Common tests used to diagnose testicular cancer include:

Physical exam: To assess your overall health
Ultrasound: To rule out other possible causes of testicular issues
Imaging studies, such as MRI, CT scans and X-rays: Help us detect the size and location of tumors and determine whether they have spread to other locations of the body
Blood tests: Determine whether your tumor marker levels are high, a possible sign of testicular cancer

Cancer Care

Clinical Trials

The UVM Cancer Center supports more than 100 active clinical trials focused on prevention, screening, treatment, supportive care and survivorship.

View open trials

Testicular Cancer Treatment

At UVM Cancer Center, you receive a personalized care plan based on your unique diagnosis. Our team uses the most advanced therapies, techniques and equipment to treat testicular cancer.

Throughout your cancer journey, our nurse navigators are by your side to coordinate appointments, answer questions and guide your care.

Surgery for Testicular Cancer

Surgery is the primary treatment for almost all testicular cancer types and stages. The surgical procedures we perform to treat testicular cancer include:

Testicular removal surgery (radical inguinal orchiectomy): During this procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in your groin and takes out the entire testicle. You can choose to have a prosthetic, saline-filled testicle inserted in its place.
Lymph node removal surgery (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection): Your surgeon may need to remove the lymph nodes in your groin along with the affected testicle. Depending on your diagnosis, the lymph nodes may also be removed at a later time.

Radiation Therapy for Testicular Cancer

Radiation therapy may be necessary after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells, or if cancer comes back after treatment. Our specialists deliver radiation therapy using leading-edge technologies with a high level of precision to protect healthy tissue.

Chemotherapy for Testicular Cancer

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by destroying them or stopping them from dividing. As with radiation, the type of chemotherapy you receive will depend on the stage and location of the cancer.

Testicular Cancer Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are always part of care-team discussions. Participation in a clinical trial is entirely voluntary and can give you access to new care methods years before they are widely available. If you are eligible for a specific trial, your provider will explain the benefits and risks of participating.