Testicular cancer

The Effects of Testicular Cancer on Men's Fertility

Testicular cancer is now the most common solid tumor in men between ages 15 and 35 though it accounts only 1% of all cancers in men. It is the most curable with a five year survival rate of 64%.

Treatment of testicular cancer may include radical inguinal orchiectomy followed by adjuvant radiation and sometimes chemotherapy.

About 50% of men with testicular cancer have pretreatment abnormalities of sperm production and sperm freezing (cryopreservation) should be offered to post pubertal men undergoing cancer treatment. It is imperative to freeze sperm prior to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Studies have not indicated an increase risk of congenital anomalies in the offspring of males who have received chemotherapy, so sperm cryopreservation should be offered to most patients.

Damage to the testis ability to produce sperm depends on the amount of radiation. Sperm production may recover if the dose of radiation is below 1Gy.

Make an appointment to learn more about testicular cancer by calling (713) 467 - 4488.