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Radiation therapy uses a beam of high-energy rays (such as
gamma rays or x-rays) or particles (such as electrons, protons, or
neutrons) to destroy cancer cells or slow their rate of growth. In
treating testicular cancer, radiation is used mainly to kill cancer
cells that have spread to lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy for testicular cancer is delivered by a
carefully focused beam of radiation from a machine outside the body.
This is known as external beam radiation. The treatment is much like
getting an x-ray, but the radiation is more intense. The procedure
itself is painless. Before your treatments start, the medical team will
take careful measurements to determine the correct angles for aiming
the radiation beams and the proper dose of radiation. Each treatment
lasts only a few minutes, although the setup time -- getting you into
place for treatment -- usually takes longer.
In general, radiotherapy is mainly used for patients with
seminoma, which is very sensitive to radiation. It does not seem to
work well for non-seminomas. Sometimes it is used after orchiectomy
(the operation to remove the testicle) and is directed at the lymph
nodes at the back of the abdomen (the retroperitoneal lymph nodes).
This is to kill any tiny bits of cancer in those lymph nodes that can't
be seen. Radiotherapy can also be used to treat small amounts of
seminoma that are known to have spread to the nodes (based on changes
seen on CT and PET scans).
Possible side effects
Radiation therapy can affect nearby healthy tissue along with
the cancer cells. Although uncommon, some men experience a skin
reaction like sunburn. This slowly fades away. Other possible side
effects include fatigue, nausea, or diarrhea.
To reduce the risk of side effects, doctors carefully figure
out the exact dose you need and aim the beam as accurately as they can
to hit the target. Generally, treatment of testicular cancer uses lower
radiation doses than those needed for other types of cancer. Special
protective devices are placed over the remaining testicle to help
preserve fertility.
Last Medical Review: 08/03/2009
Last Revised: 08/03/2009
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