Hello doctor, Recently I came to know that my ward has a germ cell tumor. He is undergoing surgery for the removal of right testes today. It is unknown whether he is affected with cancer if so, what is the type and whether it is curable or not? How long will this take and what are the steps should be considered for the treatment? Please help me because I am depressed.
Hello. This is a high-grade testicular germ cell tumor (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The molecular markers such as hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) are high. Also its spread to the liver and adjacent lymph nodes. Ideally, the primary tumor in testis has to be removed and then treated with a chemotherapy called BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin) regimen for the rest of the metastatic disease. If after surgery, his markers fall, and if he responds very well to chemotherapy, we can expect a cure where we could do a stem cell transplant in the future. But for now, his plan would be a surgery followed by chemotherapy. Also, consider semen preservation before surgery and chemotherapy.