With early detection and treatment, death due to testicular cancer is unlikely. However, the risk is much higher after the tumor spreads to organs other than the lungs.
The
While survival varies with the extent of spread, the overall 5-year relative survival rate (RSR) for testicular cancer is
The relative survival is the percentage of expected survival of people with the cancer compared to those who do not have the cancer.
Testicular cancer happens when cancerous cells develop in one or both testes, which are the sex glands responsible for making sperm.
Keep reading to learn more about the possibility of death from testicular cancer, including how fast it spreads, and whether it is curable.
Yes, death is possible, as it caused an estimated
Death can occur even with treatment, but without treatment, it is much more likely. An older
The outlook depends, in part, on the type of testicular cancer.
There are two main types of geminal tumors: seminomas and nonseminomas. About 40% are seminomas, which affect cells in the early stage of their development. The others are nonseminomas, which affect mature cells.
Outlook also depends on levels of tumor markers and the extent of spread. Below are the criteria for stages 1, 2, and 3 testicular cancer:
Stage 1
The earliest stage of testicular cancer is stage 1. This stage means that the cancer has not spread to other nearby parts of the body. It is only in the testicle.
Stage 2
Stage 2 testicular cancer means the cancer cells are no longer solely contained in the testicle. They are now affecting nearby lymph nodes in the pelvis or abdomen.
A doctor may also note typical or slightly elevated levels of markers in the blood.
Stage 3
In stage 3 testicular cancer, the cancer has spread further and is now affecting lymph nodes or other organs.
Learn more about late-stage testicular cancer symptoms to look out for.
The speed of cancer spread can depend upon the type of tumor. Nonseminomas usually grow and spread
When the tumors spread, they first reach nearby lymph nodes, and afterward, they may spread to lymph nodes near the aorta (a major blood vessel).
Tumors that continue to spread may reach the lungs, liver, brain, or bone.
Learn more about metastatic testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is
This excellent rate stems from the fact that testicular tumors are sensitive to the chemotherapy medication cisplatin (Platinol, Platinol-AQ), which interferes with cancer cell growth.
It is also due to the sensitivity of the tumors to radiation therapy, which emits beams of high energy to kill cancer cells.
The 5-year overall RSR is
Learn more about testicular cancer treatments.
Since testicular cancer has a cure rate as high as
The earlier detection occurs and treatment starts, the better the outlook. Survival rates are
Some types of testicular spread faster than others. Nonseminomas are more aggressive than seminomas.
Because the cancer has a high cure rate in the early course, a person may wish to ask their doctor if they should undergo screening periodically.