Treatment for testicular cancer

The treatment plan depends on your stage and type of testicular cancer. Usually you have surgery. You might have chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery. 

Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your physical and mental health when preparing for treatment. In the hospital, preparing for treatment is also called prehabilitation or prehab.

Treatment options for testicular cancer

Your treatment options depend on your cancer stage and type. You usually have surgery. And you might need chemotherapy or surgery.

Sperm banking for testicular cancer

Your doctor will offer you the chance to collect and store sperm (sperm banking) before you start treatment.

Monitoring (surveillance) for testicular cancer

You might not need further treatment after you have surgery to remove your testicle. But you have regular tests and appointments (monitoring). 

Surgery for testicular cancer

Surgery to remove the testicle is usually the first treatment for testicular cancer. Find out about surgery, and what to expect in hospital and after your operation.

Chemotherapy for testicular cancer

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. You might have it to lower the risk of your cancer coming back, or to treat cancer that has spread.

Radiotherapy for testicular cancer

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. You might have radiotherapy to treat the lymph nodes at the back of you tummy (abdomen).

Follow up after testicular cancer treatment

After treatment, you have regular check ups to look for signs of the cancer coming back. This is called monitoring or follow up.

If your testicular cancer comes back

Sometimes testicular cancer comes back (relapses) after treatment. It can still usually be cured. 

Last reviewed: 
06 Feb 2022
Next review due: 
06 Feb 2025