Where Can Testicular Cancer Spread?

Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15 to 49. While this form of cancer has a high survival rate, understanding its progression and potential spread is vital for effective treatment. In this blog we will highlight where testicular cancer can spread, the likelihood of this happening, the impact the stage of cancer has, and the treatment options available.

Testicular cancer overview

Testicular cancer accounts for around 1% of all male cancers in the UK, with approximately 2,400 cases diagnosed each year. The good news is that survival rates are high. Around 98% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer live at least 10 years post-diagnosis. Of course, survival rate is highly impacted by how early you detect the signs and symptoms, and the cancer’s responsiveness to treatment.

In some cases, testicular cancer can spread (or metastasize) to other parts of the body. Keep reading to understand where it can spread and the stages involved.

Chances of testicular cancer spreading

If testicular cancer spreads, it usually moves first to the lymph nodes located in the abdomen, near the kidneys. This is because the testicles are connected to the body’s lymphatic system, which can carry cancerous cells from the original tumour to other parts of the body.

In some cases, testicular cancer may also spread to other lymph nodes, the lungs, liver, bones, or even the brain.

The chances of testicular cancer spreading largely depends on the stage of cancer at diagnosis.

Stage 1 – Localised cancer

Cancer is limited to the testicle and hasn’t spread. At this stage, around 99% of patients are successfully treated and remain cancer-free after 5 years. Sometimes, only surgery is required to remove the tumour, and no further treatment is required.

Stage 2 – Regional spread

Cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Treatment at this stage is still highly effective, with over 95% of patients achieving long-term remission. In some cases, the affected lymph nodes can be removed with a procedure known as retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND).

Stage 3 – Distant spread

Cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other tissues or organs in the body. For example, your lungs or liver. This is the most advanced stage, but survival rates are still quite high. Around 70-80% of patients survive for at least 5 years post-treatment.

Read more information on the types and stages of testicular cancer.

Where testicular cancer can spread

• Lymph Nodes: Testicular cancer typically spreads to the lymph nodes around the abdomen area first.
• Lungs: If cancer has spread to the lungs you may experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• Liver: The liver may also be affected, especially in advanced cases of metastatic testicular cancer.
• Bones: This is quite rare, but testicular cancer can spread to the bones.
• Brain: Again, this is incredibly rare but if it does spread here you may experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or changes in vision or speech.

Treatment options for testicular cancer

• Surgery: Most patients will undergo an orchidectomy or orchiectomy. These are essentially the same thing – a procedure to remove the affected testicle. It is not possible to remove just the tumour, so the whole testicle must be removed. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, further surgery may be needed to remove those as well.
• Chemotherapy: This is typically used for stage 2 and stage 3 cancer. This treatment uses drugs such as bleomycin, etoposide, or cisplatin to kill cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy: This option is typically reserved for early-stage cancer. For example, it is often used for seminomas, one of the two types of testicular cancer. A seminoma tumour translates as ‘semen tumour’ and they tend to spread slowly. Non-seminoma tumours are found in younger men and they tend to grow more quickly in comparison.
• High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant: For cases of advanced cancer that has spread beyond the abdomen or lungs, high-dose chemotherapy may be required. This can also be followed up by a stem cell transplant.

Chances of survival and the importance of early detection

Around 98% of men with testicular cancer in the UK survive for at least 10 years or more. Survival rates for metastatic testicular cancer are around 70-80%, depending on the extent of the spread and your overall health. So as you can see, the prognosis for testicular cancer remains optimistic, even when it spreads. Early detection is absolutely vital though, as well as regularly checking your nuts!