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Testicular Cancer Stories
Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Testicular cancer most often begins in germ cells (cells that make sperm). It is rare and is most frequently diagnosed in men 20-34 years old. Most testicular cancers can be cured, even if diagnosed at an advanced stage. (National Cancer Institute)
Explore below for in-depth testicular cancer stories from survivors who share everything from first symptoms, treatment timeline, to navigating life with cancer.
Seminoma Stories
Rick Henrikson, Seminoma, Stage 1
1st Symptoms: Noticed one testicle larger than the other, dull pain
Treatment: Orchiectomy (surgical removal of one testicle), neoadjuvant chemo (1 infusion of Carboplatin)
Non-Seminoma Stories
Mikael Habekost, Non-Seminoma, Stage 1
Cancer Details: Usually affects one testicle, tends to spread more quickly than seminomas
1st Symptoms: Fatigue, one swollen testicle
Treatment: Surgery (removal and reconstruction), radiation, hormone therapy
Steve Lynch, Non-Seminoma, Stage 4
Cancer Details: Germ cell tumors usually occur in men between their late teens and early 30s
1st Symptoms: Grape-sized tumor on neck; hip and pelvis pain; ultrasound revealed tumor on right testicle
Treatment: Chemotherapy (BEP), removal of right testicle, lymph node resection (RPLND), and tumor dissection in the neck
Hugo Toovey, Non-Seminoma, Stage 2B
Cancer Details: Tends to spread more quickly than seminomas
1st Symptoms: Pea-sized lump on right testicle
Treatment: Surgical removal of right testicle, lymph node resection, chemotherapy
Note: Currently in treatment for unrelated case of colon cancer