Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is uncommon, affecting only one out of every 250 men in the United States, with just over 9,000 cases reported each year. That said, it’s the most common cancer diagnosis in American males between the ages of 15 and 35. The good news is that this type of cancer is highly treatable, especially with the right team. That team can be found at Charleston Oncology. To learn more, call to request an appointment.
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Board Certified Oncologists Specializing in Testicular Cancer
Downtown, Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley
N. Charleston, Summerville, Walterboro
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TESTICULAR CANCER CARE AT CHARLESTON ONCOLOGY
At Charleston Oncology, we understand that a testicular cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of your treatment, starting with the compassionate care provided by our medical oncology team. With expertise, innovative treatments, and a patient-focused approach, we aim to empower you with clarity, confidence, and support throughout your cancer journey.
CONDUCTING THE ORCHESTRA
Medical oncologists are a vital part of your testicular cancer care team. At Charleston Oncology, our team works with you to develop a personalized care plan, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions about your treatment. Similar to an orchestra conductor, your oncologist ensures that all caregivers throughout your journey are coordinated and aligned with your treatment plan.
Your medical oncologist serves as both a guide and an advocate, ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your unique needs. They also collaborate with urologists, radiation specialists, and other members of our multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive care focused on your overall well-being.
TYPES OF TESTICULAR CANCER:
- Germ Cell Tumors: Seminomas (slow-growing) and non-seminomas (faster-growing)
- Gonadal Stromal Tumors: Arising from hormone-producing tissue
Secondary Testicular Cancer: Resulting from other cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia
DIAGNOSIS OF TESTICULAR CANCER
Early detection is critical for successful treatment. Charleston Oncology uses a combination of advanced testing and imaging to diagnose testicular cancer accurately.
Common diagnostic tools include:
- Physical Examination: Detects lumps or abnormalities in the testicle
- Ultrasound: Evaluates the structure and nature of testicular masses
- Blood Tests: Measure tumor markers that can indicate cancer
- Biopsy / Surgical Evaluation: Removal of the testicle for definitive diagnosis when needed
These evaluations help your doctor determine the type and stage of cancer so that an appropriate, personalized treatment plan can be developed.
PERSONALIZED TESTICULAR CANCER TREATMENT PLANS
Testicular cancer treatment is highly individualized and depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, whether it has spread, and your overall health and preferences. Treatment options include:
Surgery: Surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy) is often the first step. Because most men have two testicles, removal of one typically does not significantly impact overall function.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams are used to target cancer cells, particularly effective for seminomas in select cases.
Chemotherapy: Medications used to destroy cancer cells, especially for more aggressive or advanced tumors.
Stem Cell Transplant: In certain cases of recurrent or high-risk testicular cancer, stem cell transplant may be recommended to support recovery after high-dose chemotherapy.
Clinical Trials: Charleston Oncology participates in studies exploring innovative therapies, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY AND INNOVATIVE CARE
Collaboration is central to effective cancer treatment. Our team of oncologists, urologists, radiation specialists, and support staff work together to provide seamless care, addressing every aspect of your health—physical, emotional, and psychological.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Your treatment, your choice—it all starts with understanding your options. At Charleston Oncology, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today to explore the care, expertise, and support that make Charleston Oncology a trusted name in testicular cancer treatment.
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What are the warning signs of testicular cancer, and how is it detected?
The most common early sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump, hardness, or change in size or shape in one testicle. Other symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, or breast tenderness. Importantly, testicular cancer does not always cause pain, and many men delay seeking evaluation as a result. Monthly testicular self-examination supports early detection. If you notice any unusual change, prompt evaluation by a physician is essential.
Is testicular cancer curable even if it has spread?
Yes — testicular cancer is one of the most curable solid tumors, even in advanced stages. Both seminomas and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors respond exceptionally well to platinum-based chemotherapy. Overall cure rates across all stages exceed 95%. Even patients with metastatic disease — including spread to lymph nodes, lungs, or other organs — have high cure rates with appropriate treatment. Receiving expert oncologic care following established treatment protocols is the critical factor.
What does chemotherapy for testicular cancer typically involve?
The most commonly used chemotherapy regimen is BEP — bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin — administered in cycles over several months depending on stage and risk classification. For some early-stage seminomas, a shorter course of carboplatin may be used as adjuvant therapy. For patients with metastatic or relapsed disease, more intensive regimens may be considered. Your Charleston Oncology oncologist will determine the appropriate regimen and number of cycles based on your staging, tumor markers, and overall health.
What are the long-term health concerns for testicular cancer survivors?
Because most testicular cancer patients are young men who achieve cure, attention to long-term survivorship health is extremely important. Platinum-based chemotherapy is associated with potential long-term risks including peripheral neuropathy, hearing loss, cardiovascular effects, and secondary cancers. Fertility preservation through sperm banking before treatment begins is an important discussion for all men of reproductive age who are newly diagnosed. Charleston Oncology places high priority on survivorship planning and provides guidance on long-term monitoring and healthy living after treatment.
Medical Oncology and Hematology Specialists located in Downtown Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville & Walterboro, SC.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt like my whole world stopped. But from the moment I walked into Charleston Oncology, I knew I was in the right hands. The doctors explained everything clearly and made me feel like I wasn’t just another patient — I was part of their family.
Sarah T – Breast Cancer Survivor
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Voted Best In Charleston
Charleston Oncology – Best Oncology Practice
With over 100 years of combined experience, the team of hematologists and oncologists at Charleston Oncology, a department of Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, is proud to be named HealthLinks Magazine’s Best Oncology Practice.
David Ellison, M.D. – Best Oncologist
Honored as Best Oncologist, Dr. David Ellison is a past recipient of the Physician Champion Award from the Roper St. Francis Foundation, founding chairman of the Lowcountry Komen for the Cure Foundation, and principal investigator for several groundbreaking cancer drug clinical trials.
