Access information on common Testicular cancer questions at Consumer Reports Health.

Testicular cancer

Questions to ask your doctor

If you've been diagnosed with testicular cancer, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more.

Here are some questions you might want to ask:

Are you sure it's cancer? Do I need some more tests?
What tests will I need? How long till I get the results?
What stage is my cancer?
What kind of cancer cells are in the tumor? Will it affect the treatment I need?
What kind of operation will I need?
What will happen during an operation to remove the affected testicle?
When I have the affected testicle removed, will I be able to have an implant to replace it? Will it feel the same as a real testicle?
Is there a chance I could need both testicles removed? If this happens, what treatment will I need to have a normal sex life?
Will I need surgery on my lymph nodes?
How long will I need to spend in the hospital?
How long will it take me to recover from the operation?
Will I need chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery?
Will I need to stay in the hospital for chemotherapy or radiation therapy? Or can I go home after each session?
Will my treatment affect whether I can have children?
Can I have my sperm frozen before I start treatment?
Will treatment affect my sex life?
Could my cancer come back in my other testicle or somewhere else in my body?
Should I examine my remaining testicle regularly in case the cancer comes back there?
Will I need to have regular check-ups?

This information was last updated on May 14, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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