Testicular Cancer Misdiagnosis

Without a prompt diagnosis, testicular cancer can grow and spread, resulting in the need for more aggressive treatment and a higher risk of long-term complications and death. 

In virtually all cases of testicular cancer, removal of the affected testicle and spermatic cord is prescribed, even if the cancer has not spread. This procedure is known as a radical inguinal orchiectomy. Removing one testicle generally does not impact sexual function. 

While one to two rounds of chemotherapy or low-dose radiation therapy may be prescribed, in many cases, early-stage testicular cancer can be resolved with limited risks and complications.

Chemotherapy After Testicular Cancer Has Spread

If the cancer has progressed, more rounds of chemotherapy at higher dosages will likely be required. Chemotherapy’s side effects can be debilitating. Short-term effects may include hair loss, extreme fatigue, mouth sores, and muscle pain.

Long-term effects of chemotherapy may include the following:

• Organ damage
• Nerve damage
• Cognitive difficulties
• Increased risk of other cancers

Surgical Complications for Advanced Testicular Cancer

If testicular cancer has spread to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, which are those located in the back of the abdomen, surgery may be required to remove them. This surgery is more invasive, with a higher risk of complications. 

One possible complication is nerve damage to the area that controls ejaculation. Such damage can cause retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when semen goes backward into the bladder rather than through the urethra. This can make it difficult to father children.

Reduced Survival

If testicular cancer is isolated to the testicle at diagnosis, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent. If it has spread to other organs, the survival rate drops to 73 percent.