If your testicular cancer comes back:
When testicular cancer returns, it’s called a relapse or recurrence. The goal of treatment in this case is still to cure the cancer, and treatment is often successful even if the cancer has spread to another part of your body.
If your cancer does come back, it’s most likely to happen within 2 years of completing your treatment.
A late relapse is when the cancer comes back more than 2 years after treatment. This is quite rare, occurring in only about 2 to 3 out of every 100 people (2-3%) with testicular cancer.
Deciding on Treatment
A group of specialist doctors will review your case and decide on the best treatment plan for you. They will consider several factors, including:
– The type of testicular cancer you have
– Where the cancer is located in your body
– Your tumor marker levels
– How long it’s been since your last treatment
– The type of treatment you had before and how effective it was
– Your overall health and fitness
Your doctor will go over the treatment options with you, explaining the possible side effects and what each treatment involves. This includes how long the treatment will last and how often you’ll need to visit the hospital.
What Treatment Will I Have If My Cancer Comes Back?
If your cancer returns, you’ll usually undergo further treatment, known as second-line treatment.
Chemotherapy is a common choice for treating recurrent testicular cancer. Depending on your situation, you might also need surgery.
Chemotherapy involves using anti-cancer drugs that travel through your bloodstream to destroy cancer cells. You might receive a different combination of chemotherapy drugs than you did in your initial treatment. Common second-line chemotherapy options include:
Coping with Relapse
Learning that your cancer has returned can be overwhelming. Facing treatment again might bring up many emotions like shock, frustration, and fear.
You might need more tests to understand exactly where the cancer is, which will help your doctors determine the best treatment options for you.
Your specialist doctor and nurse will discuss your test results with you, explaining the available treatment options and what they involve. They’ll also talk to you about the goals of the treatment and help you make informed decisions.
Everyone needs different kinds of support during this time. It’s important to find what works best for you. Many people find it helpful to talk to family and friends. There are also specialist nurses, counselors, and support groups available to provide additional help and guidance.