Testes Cancer Surgery

Radical orchidectomy

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the three main treatments for testicular cancer.

Whatever the stage of cancer, the first step in treating testes cancer is typically surgery to remove the testicle. This procedure is known as a radical orchidectomy.

The procedure involves making an incision (cut) just above the pubic area so that the testicle can be gently removed from the scrotum through the opening. The surgeon then removes the entire tumour along with the testicle and spermatic cord.

The spermatic cord contains part of the vas deferens and blood and lymph vessels that could act as pathways for testicular cancer to spread to the rest of the body. These vessels are tied off early in the operation to lessen the chance of this. When the testicle is removed, a prosthetic testicle can be inserted for cosmetic reasons if the patient chooses.

Men with only one testicle removed should continue to have normal sexual function and fertility. In some cases, removal of the testicular tumour can improve fertility if sperm production was previously suppressed. However, if the other testicle is abnormal or has also been removed, sperm storage before surgery may be worth considering if the patient is still planning to reproduce.