Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the male testes, or testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system and responsible for producing sperm and hormones. These two organs typically are a little smaller than golf balls in adult males and are contained within a sac-like pouch called the scrotum, which hangs beneath the base of the penis. Considered the most common cancer in American males ages 15 to 34, this highly treatable and highly curable form of cancer also can occur in middle-aged and older men. Testicular cancer can occur in one or both testicles. Malignant or cancerous cells usually form in germ cells, which are the cells responsible for reproduction. An undescended testicle (common among infants born prematurely) can increase a man’s risk of developing testicular cancer, as can testicle abnormalities and a family history of this type of cancer.
Why UAB
U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UAB Urology among the top 50 programs of its kind in the nation, and we are widely recognized for delivering excellent genitourinary cancer care. Our medical and surgical specialists have undergone extensive training in their areas of expertise, and they are active leaders in their fields.
UAB surgeons perform many urologic procedures using minimally invasive techniques, which require only small incisions (cuts). UAB regularly uses the new da Vinci SP Single Port Surgical System, which enables surgeons to enter the body through a single abdominal incision before deploying the robot's surgical instruments. This innovative design helps improve patient outcomes and recovery times and is particularly beneficial in cancer treatment procedures, as surgeons can now access narrower spaces with better accuracy. The da Vinci SP is the only robotic system approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for urologic surgery and is well-suited for procedures involving prostate cancer, bladder cancer, ureteral reconstruction, ureteral re-implant, and much more.
RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Testicular Cancer. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
- Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
The Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic takes an interdisciplinary approach to caring for patients with serious illnesses, whether they are in active treatment or have completed treatment. Our goal is to help patients fulfill their maximum physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social potential.
The health professionals at the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic help patients manage the side effects associated with cancer. Referrals to the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic can be made by any treating physician or nurse or by patient self-referral. A broad range of insurance is accepted.
Patient appointment scheduling is flexible and based on patient needs and other concurrent treatments. Clinic sessions are held Wednesday and Friday mornings with palliative care physicians and fellows. A physician assistant is available Monday through Friday.
Our Team
Physicians and physician assistants have special expertise in complex symptom management including depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain syndromes, and others.
Nurses support patients by facilitating the clinic sessions as well as managing communication with patients. They are the front line of patient care.
Physical therapists develop individualized programs for each patient to help with coordination, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, or range of motion. Counselors are experienced in structuring counseling sessions to meet the specific needs of each person. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available.
Nutritionists have expertise in nutrition for patients with serious illnesses.
Massage therapists are trained in all types of massage, including oncology massage, which is a specialized approach that supports the body's health before, during, and after treatment for cancer.
Our clinic is an active teaching environment with fellows, residents, and students in both medicine and nursing participating in patient care.
Location
The UAB Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic is located on the 3rd floor of The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital.
Patients can request an appointment online or by calling UAB Healthfinder at 205.934.9999 or 800.822.8816.