Talking to Your Health Care Provider about Testicular Cancer
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You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with testicular cancer. By open and regular communication, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your health care provider:
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
Specific Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider
About the Risk of Developing Testicular Cancer
- What do you recommend I do with an undescended (or atrophic) testicle?
- How great is my risk from having had a hernia/hydrocele as a child or mumps in my testicles as an adolescent?
- Are my brothers and/or sons at risk for testicular cancer because of my experience?
About Lumps or Abnormalities You Find
- Is the lump likely enough to be an infection that treatment with an antibiotic is a good first step? Or should we proceed with an ultrasound?
- What type of testing will I need to determine what it is?
About Treatment Options
- What treatment do you recommend for my case?
- What are the risks and benefits of treatment?
-
What if I want to have children?
- How will my fertility be affected?
- What can I do about it?
- Please share with me the pathology and staging information so I can participate in treatment decisions.
- Are there any recent studies that might improve upon current treatment recommendations?
- Are there any alternative or complementary therapies I should consider?
About Lifestyle Changes
-
How much will my treatment interfere with my current lifestyle, and for how long?
- Shall I plan on time off from work?
- Will my sexual function be affected?
- Will I be able to ride a bike? Or participate in other sports?
About Outlook
- Is my cancer curable?
- Could cancer recur in my other testicle?
Sources:
All About Testicular Cancer. American Cancer Society.
Available at:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp
.
Accessed November 29, 2002.
Holland JF, Frei III E. Neoplasms of the genitourinary tract. In:
Cancer Medicine
. American Cancer Society.
Available at:
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancer_information/
.
Accessed November 30, 2002.
Motzer RJ, Bosl GJ. Testicular cancer. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine , 14th ed. McGraw-Hill; 1998.
Testicular Cancer Home Page. National Cancer Institute.
Available at:
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancer_information/
.
Accessed November 29, 2002.
Last reviewed February 2003 by Donald Lawrence, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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