Testicular Cancer

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Testicular Cancer Complications

Metastasis (spreading) to other parts of the body may occur with testicular cancer. The most common sites include the retroperitoneal area, the abdomen, the spine, and the lungs.

If both testicles are removed the man becomes infertile (unable to have children) because no sperm cells will be produced. If surgery is done to remove lymph nodes, there can be damage to nerves that control ejaculation. This can also cause infertility as well as impotence. There is a newer type of surgery that has a better chance of preserving the nerves that main erection and still removes the lymph nodes. Since testicular cancer affects men at the ages they may want to father children, nerve-sparing surgery and sperm banking (to save sperm and freeze it for use in artificial insemination) before any treatment should be discussed with the doctor.