Orchiectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles (testes). It is the primary treatment for testicular cancer, both for diagnosis and initial disease control.
Key Points:
- Type:
- Radical inguinal orchiectomy (standard for testicular cancer)
- The testicle is removed through an incision in the groin to avoid spreading cancer cells into the scrotum.
- Radical inguinal orchiectomy (standard for testicular cancer)
- Purpose in Testicular Cancer:
- Diagnostic: Confirms histology (seminoma vs. NSGCT)
- Therapeutic: Often curative in stage I disease
- Timing:
- Post-Orchiectomy Considerations:
- Tumor markers (AFP, β-hCG, LDH) measured pre- and post-op to guide staging and follow-up
- Fertility preservation counseling recommended pre-op
- Hormone replacement if bilateral orchiectomy is performed