Testicular Cancer Program

Why Choose Us?

We work closely with Cleveland Clinic in the US, taking a collaborative approach to care and offering access to one of the world’s most experienced teams in treating a range of cancers – an important differentiating factor when it comes to cancer care. Working together, we diagnose your condition and meet regularly as a Tumor Board to discuss each patient and ensure the most appropriate decisions about your customized treatment are made.

What We Treat

Testicular cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissues of a testicle. It is the most common cancer in men aged 20 to 35 but it usually is curable. 

There are two main types of testicular cancers:  

• Seminoma: Begins in cells called germ cells and grows slowly. 
• Non-seminoma: Begins in mature germ cells and is more aggressive.

Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: 

• Swelling or a lump in either testicle 
• Pain in the scrotum or testicle 
• Swelling or fluid in the scrotum 
• Heaviness in the scrotum 
• Dull ache lower abdomen or groin  
• A shrinking testicle. 

Causes & Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer

It is not known what causes testicular cancer. However, several risk factors for developing testicular cancer have been identified, including:  

• Undescended testicle(s) 
• Family history or previous testicular cancer 
• Race (Non-Hispanic, white men are more at risk than other races and ethnicities) 
• Infertility. 

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer 

If your doctor suspects testicular cancer, a physical exam will be performed and a full medical history taken, followed by an ultrasound. The painless test allows the doctor to see any abnormalities within the testicle. If the ultrasound shows evidence of cancer, surgery to remove the testicle is performed and it is then examined to see if cancer is present. Testicular cancer can only be diagnosed after the testicle is removed. Removing a small piece of tissue via a biopsy is not possible as penetrating the testicle can make it difficult to treat cancer (if it is discovered). Other diagnostic tests include: 

• A serum tumor marker test: A blood sample measures the amount substances called tumor markers: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG or beta-HCG) and lactate dehydrongenase (LDH). 
• CT and PET scans: Performed to see whether cancer has spread elsewhere in the body in certain cases. 

Treatment of Testicular Cancer 

Treatment for testicular cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer, which refers to how much it has spread.  

• Surgery: The first step in testicular cancer treatment is to remove the testicle through an incision in the groin.

• Further surgery to remove any affected lymph nodes may also be required. 
• Surgery can also remove tumors from the liver or lungs if they have not disappeared following chemotherapy.  

• Radiation therapy: High-dose X-rays used to kill cancer cells. Radiation is occasionally used after surgery to prevent the tumor from returning.  
• Ethos adaptive radiotherapy: An advanced, innovative cancer treatment approach that tailors radiation therapy to each patient’s unique needs. The treatment is transforming cancer care and improving outcomes for patients with testicular cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs are given to kill cancer cells. There are many different types of chemotherapy, but they all act to stop cancer cells from reproducing so they cannot spread within the body. Appropriate chemotherapy has dramatically improved survival rates after surgery. 

Prevention & Screening

It is not possible to prevent testicular cancer, but early detection is very important. Regular self-examinations should be performed, particularly if you have any of the risk factors for developing testicular cancer.

Being aware of any changes in your testicles (including lumps, hardness, pain, or a change in size) should always be discussed with your doctor immediately.

Program Caregivers

The Testicular Cancer Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi consists of a multidisciplinary team of caregivers, including:  

• Urologic Oncologists
• Medical Oncologists
• Radiation Oncologists
• Specialized Radiologists
• Specialized Pathologists
• Nurse Specialists
• Physiotherapy
• Dieticians
• Psychologist
• Genetic Counsellor