Non-Localised Testicular Cancer

Non-localised testicular cancer is when the cancer spreads beyond the testicle to other parts of the body. Even if the disease has spread to other organs, it is still ‘testicular cancer’. All cancers behave slightly differently so it’s helpful to know this.

Testicular cancer which has spread is still very treatable and potentially curable with the use of chemotherapy and over 90% of men diagnosed at any stage will be alive 10 years later but this can still be a worrying time. This page explains next steps.

Testicular cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen and to other areas of the body such as the lungs, liver and brain. This is also known as ‘metastatic’ disease.

In this situation chemotherapy treatment will be recommended.

As previously mentioned, it is important to understand that testicular cancer that has spread to the lungs, liver or brain is still testicular cancer and not a separate cancer.

The outlook is generally positive but of course this can be a worrying time and chemotherapy itself is not an easy experience. The effects of chemotherapy can take some time to subside after treatment, sometimes up to a year or more.

It may also takefamily and friends time to adjust. Try to discuss your feelings and ask for support. You can also talk to our nurse helpline. Our nurses are very experienced and knowledgeable and can both answer questions and offer support.

Although there is no definite evidence that radiotherapy or chemotherapy can affect children that are fathered after treatment it is usually advisable to use contraception for 6-12 months afterwards.

Watch our video below on diagnosis: