Factors Affecting Prognosis
1. Cancer stage
2. Type of cancer (seminoma vs. nonseminoma)
3. Size of the tumor
4. Number and size of retroperitoneal lymph nodes
Statistics
The stage of the disease plays a role in the prognosis. Based on historical data collected from 1996-2002:
70% of testicular cancer cases are diagnosed while the cancer is still confined to the primary site or in a localized stage
18% of testicular cancer cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes or directly beyond the primary site
11% of testicular cancer cases are diagnosed after the cancer has already metastasized or in a distant stage
1% of testicular cancer cases had testicular staging information that was unknown
The corresponding 5-year relative testicular cancer survival rates were:
99.5% for localized
96.3%for regional
70.1% for distant
87.5% for unstaged
The overall 5-year relative testicular cancer survival rate for 1996-2005 was 95.7%
95.9% for Caucasian men
90% for African American men
Some people find it easier to cope with cancer when they know the statistics. Other people find statistical information confusing and frightening. The oncologist involved in the treatment plan is in the best position to discuss the testicular cancer prognosis. At the same time, it is important to understand that even the doctor cannot tell exactly what to expect because every person is unique.
It is important to remember that the prognosis changes as the cancer progresses or successfully responds to treatment.
