Is follow-up treatment for
necessary? What does it involve?
Regular follow-up exams are extremely important for men who
have been treated for testicular cancer. Like all cancers, testicular cancer can
recur (come back). Men who have had testicular cancer should see their doctor
regularly and should report any unusual symptoms right away. Follow-up varies
for different types and stages of testicular cancer. Generally, patients are
checked frequently by their doctor and have regular blood tests to measure tumor
marker levels. They also have regular x-rays and computed tomography, also
called CT scans
or CAT scans (detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a
computer linked to an x-ray machine). Men who have had testicular cancer have an
increased likelihood of developing cancer in the remaining testicle. Patients
treated with chemotherapy may have an increased risk of certain types of
leukemia, as well as other types of cancer. Regular follow-up care ensures that
changes in health are discussed and that problems are treated as soon as
possible.
Are clinical trials (research studies) available for men with testicular cancer?
Yes. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for
many men with testicular cancer. To develop new treatments, and better ways to
use current treatments, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring
clinical trials (research studies with people) in many hospitals and cancer
centers around the country. Clinical trials are a critical step in the
development of new methods of treatment. Before any new treatment can be
recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether
the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease.
People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their
doctor. Further information about clinical trials is available at
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials on the NCI's Web site. The Web site offers
detailed information about specific ongoing studies by linking to PDQ®, the
NCI's comprehensive cancer information database.
Nearly all testicular cancers are one of two general types: seminoma or
nonseminoma. Other types are rare.
This disease occurs most often in men between the ages of 20 and 39. It
accounts for only 1% of all cancers in men.
Risk factors include having an undescended testicle, previous testicular
cancer, and a family history of testicular cancer.
Symptoms include a lump, swelling, or enlargement in the testicle; pain or
discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum; and/or an ache in the lower abdomen,
back, or groin.
Diagnosis generally involves blood tests, ultrasound, and biopsy.
Treatment can often cure testicular cancer, but regular
follow-up exams are extremely important.
REFERENCE:
American Cancer Society, Inc. Cancer Facts and Figures 2005. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, Inc., 2005. Also available at http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CAFF2005f4PWSecured.pdf on the Internet.
SOURCE:
U.S. National Institutes of Health, National
Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov
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