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Testicular cancer: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Feb 06, 2025

If you've been diagnosed with testicular cancer, you might have many questions. Here are some questions you might want to take with you to your appointment and discuss with your doctor or specialist:

  • What is testicular cancer?

  • Why have I got this cancer? Does it run in families?

  • Are you sure it's cancer? Do I need some more tests?

  • How advanced is my cancer? What stage is it?

  • What kind of cancer cells are in the tumour? Will this affect the treatment I need?

  • Will I need an operation to remove the affected testicle?

  • What will happen during the operation?

  • If I have the affected testicle removed, will I be able to have an implant to replace it? Will it feel the same as a real testicle?

  • Is there a chance I could need both testicles removed?

  • Will I need surgery on any other part of my body? For example, will my lymph nodes be removed?

  • How long will I need to spend in hospital?

  • How long will it take me to recover from the operation? Can I go back to normal life straight away?

  • Will I need chemotherapy or radiotherapy after my surgery?

  • Will I need to stay in hospital for chemotherapy or radiotherapy? Or can I go home after each session?

  • Will surgery affect my sex life? What about other treatments?

  • Will my treatment affect whether I can have children?

  • Can I have my sperm frozen before I start treatment?

  • Could my cancer come back in my other testicle or somewhere else in my body?

  • Should I examine my remaining testicle regularly in case the cancer comes back there? If so, how should I do this and how often?

  • Will I need to have regular follow-ups?

  • Is there anywhere else I can go for support?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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