Testicular Cancer

Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.

• What type of testicular cancer do I have?
• Are other tests or surgery needed to confirm this diagnosis?
• What stage is my cancer? What does this mean?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me? Could I have a copy?
• What treatment options do I have?
• What clinical trials are open to me?
• What treatment plan do you recommend?
• Is this the standard treatment?
• How often do you treat men with testicular cancer?
• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
• Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
• How experienced is the surgeon in orchiectomy and/or RPLNDs?
• What are the possible side effects of each treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
• Could this treatment affect my ability to have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
• How can I keep myself as healthy as possible during and after treatment?
• What are the chances that the cancer will recur?
• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
• What support services are available to me?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?