Radical Orchidectomy for Cancer of the Testes

Transcription

1 Radical Orchidectomy for Cancer of the Testes Exceptional healthcare, personally delivered

2 Radical Orchidectomy (removal of the testis for suspected testicular cancer via a groin incision) What is involved? You have been referred to hospital with a lump in your testicle. Following your ultrasound scan and blood tests (tumour markers) it has been recommended that you have a radical orchidectomy to remove the tumour. When and how will the tumour be removed? n You will be admitted to hospital within the next 2 weeks for surgery to remove your testicle. n You will usually be admitted as a day case and discharged home on the same day. n You will be told the time to attend the hospital and when to stop eating and drinking prior to your admission. n You will have a general anaesthetic. n Your wound will be in your groin with a dressing over it. n The stitches are usually dissolvable. Will the operation be painful? n You will be given painkillers during and after the operation and a small supply to take home. How long will I take to recover? n You should not drive for at least a week. You should check that you could do an emergency stop without it hurting. (Check with your Insurance Company.) n You should not do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 4 weeks. n Going back to work depends on your work and how fit you feel. 2 Radical Orchidectomy for Cancer of the Testes

3 Are there any complications that can happen? Complications can occur but we do everything possible to avoid this. n There is the possibility of wound infection. n There is the possibility of bleeding requiring further surgery. n You may have some swelling and or bruising of the scrotum/ groin. It is advisable to wear supportive briefs. n There is the possibility that the testis is removed and no cancer is found and that the diagnosis is uncertain. n Future fertility cannot be guaranteed. Sperm storage may be discussed. This will involve screening blood tests (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, HIV) prior to referral and the signing of a consent form. Contact your GP if: n You feel feverish or have a temperature. n Your wound is red or feels hot. n Your wound is leaking fluid or pus. n You have increased pain around and/or swelling around the wound site. What happens after the surgery? n A Computerised Tomography Scan (CT) of the abdomen, pelvis and chest will have been arranged for you at the Radiology department at Southmead Hospital. The scan is to see if the cancer has spread to any other part of the body. n Further blood tests (markers) will be taken. n All your results will be discussed at both the local and Testicular Multidisciplinary Team Meeting at the Bristol Oncology Centre (BOC) before sending you an appointment to attend the BOC. Radical Orchidectomy for Cancer of the Testes 3

4 Will I need any further treatments? n If the cancer has not spread and was completely removed with the testicle, the operation may be the only treatment you will need. n After your BOC outpatient appointment, it is very important for you to attend further appointments for follow up. (This is known as surveillance). This is because in some patients the cancer may come back in the glands at the back of the abdomen or in the lungs. n If the risk of the cancer returning is thought to be higher or if the cancer has spread, further treatments will be discussed with you at your appointment at the BOC and are likely to be chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. 4 Radical Orchidectomy for Cancer of the Testes

5 References and Sources of Further Information Cancer Backup Website available at: [accessed June 2007] Telephone: Orchid Cancer Appeal Web site available at: [accessed June 2007] Telephone: Macmillan Cancerline Website available at: [accessed June 2007] Telephone: Positive Action on Cancer Free and professional counselling for those affected by cancer. Web site available at: [accessed June 2007] Telephone: Cancer Backup booklet. Sexuality and Cancer Website available: [accessed June 2007] Macmillan Cancer Relief booklets Close Relationships and Cancer and Men and Cancer. Available free of charge Tel: The Harbour Free and professional counselling and psychotherapy for people affected by a life-threatening illness. Telephone: The Penny Brohn Cancer Help Centre Website available at: [accessed June 2007] Positive Action on Cancer Free and professional counselling for those affected by cancer. Website available: Telephone: Radical Orchidectomy for Cancer of the Testes 5

6 NHS Constitution. Information on your rights and responsibilities. Available at Radical Orchidectomy for Cancer of the Testes 7

7 If you or the individual you are caring for need support reading this leaflet please ask a member of staff for advice. North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published May Review due May NBT002152