OBJECTIVES: To discuss the presentation, diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgical options, nursing management, and long-term outcomes of patients with testicular cancer.
DATA SOURCES: Review and research articles, clinical experience.
CONCLUSION: Testicular cancer is very treatable and the cure rate is approximately 95%. It is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35. While early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are all important factors for treating the disease, fertility and quality of life are also important issues to address in patients with testicular cancer.
IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses must provide patient instruction regarding chemotherapy, surgery, fertility, and side effects of treatment. Serving as a patient advocate regarding fertility preservation and promoting quality of life are important factors for health professionals to consider.
Written by:
Viatori M. Are you the author?
Department of Hematology Oncology, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, CA, USA.
Reference: Semin Oncol Nurs. 2012 Aug;28(3):180-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2012.05.007
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22846486
UroToday.com Testicular Cancer Section
