Testicular Cancer Care and Support for International Patients

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a form of cancer that begins developing in the testicles (testes) which are the male reproductive glands, which produce sperm and testosterone. It is not very common relative to other cancers yet it is the most prevalent cancer among young men of 15 to 35 years.

Types of Testicular Cancer

• Germ cell tumors (most common, ~95%)
• Seminomas - are less aggressive, very radiation sensitive.
• Non-seminomas- more aggressive and have embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma and teratoma.
• Stromal tumors (infrequent) - grow out of the support tissue (Leydig or Sertoli cell).
• Secondary testicular cancers - uncommon, and typically transferred through other cancers.

Testicular cancer treatment in India

Treatment of testicular cancer is normally very effective particularly at an early stage. Treatment varies according to the kind (seminoma or non-seminoma) and the stage of the malignancy. Here’s a structured overview:

First Step: Surgery

• Radical inguinal orchiectomy - The affected testicle is removed with a cut in the groin (not the scrotum) to avoid spread of the cancer.
• In some cases, cosmetic reasons are providing a testicular prosthesis (artificial testicle).
• The tissue that has been removed post-surgery is analyzed to confirm the type of cancer.

Treatment by Cancer Type

Seminoma

Stage I:

• Surveillance (regular check-ups, scans, and blood tests) if low risk.
• Radiation therapy (to lymph nodes in abdomen) or low dose chemotherapy (carboplatin) when the risk is greater.

Stage II–III:

• Radiation (for lower stages of spread).
• Chemotherapy (cisplatin-based regimens like BEP: Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin).

Non-Seminoma

Stage I:

• Follow-up of picked low-risk patients.
• Chemotherapy or Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND) if higher risk.

Stage II–III:

• Chemotherapy (BEP regimen is the standard one).
• Surgical intervention (RPLND) can be used afterwards in case of lymph node enlargement after chemotherapy.

Advanced & Recurrent Cancer

• High dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant can be optioned.
• Targeted therapies or immunotherapy clinical trials can be offered.

Supportive & Long-Term Care

• Fertility preservation: Before treatment, Sperm banking is advised as surgery/chemo/radiation can reduce fertility.
• Testosterone replacement: In case both testicles have been removed, testosterone replacement therapy is needed throughout the life.
• Follow-up: Blood tests (tumor markers AFP, 7HCG, LDH), imaging and physical examination on a regular basis within several years.

Best hospitals for testicular cancer in India

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket

Factors Affecting Testicular cancer surgery cost in India

The determinants of how the cost of testicular cancer surgery (orchiectomy) varies in India: Key Factors Affecting Cost:

Cancer Type & Stage

• The complexity of treatment also depends greatly: at the beginning of seminoma, surgery may be sufficient, whereas in the case of non-seminomas, other methods such as chemotherapy, RPLND, or radiation can be included. These are quite an addition to the cost. 

Type of Surgical Procedure

• Orchiectomy (radical or testis-sparing): May be more expensive based upon hospital and patient considerations. 
• Minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery (where available) can be more expensive than regular open surgeries. 

Hospital Type & Location

• Large metro and non-state, high quality hospitals all tend to be more expensive because of the sophisticated infrastructure and services. 
• It is possible that even in the metros, the price of treatment may differ according to the type of wards (general vs. private room). 

Surgeon’s Expertise & Reputation

• Well known surgeons usually charge more based on their skill and experience. 

Pre- and Post-operative Services

• Bills in admission fees, consultations, imaging, pathology, tests (ECG, X-ray), anaesthesia, supplies (dressing kits), medications, and follow-up scans. These extra services can add a lot of bill. 

Hospital Stay Duration

• Expenses are increased when the length of inpatient stay is prolonged (e.g., ICU, private wards). 

Type of Room Chosen

• Prices per room can differ according to their type: general wards cost less whereas twin-sharing or single and private rooms can increase the cost.

Travel & Accommodation

• Out of town patients might have to spend more money to stay in a hotel, eat at the place, and maintain a room as they recover or undergo a series of follow-ups.

Chemotherapy for testicular cancer in India

Chemotherapy is one of the therapies of testicular cancer, particularly when it has already metastasized outside the testicle or in high risk cases. It treats the whole body with powerful drugs to kill the cancer cells.

When is Chemotherapy Used?

After surgery (orchiectomy) if:

• Cancer has metastasized to lymph nodes or other body organs.
• Tumor markers (AFP, 2 -hcg, LDH) are still high.
• To decrease risk of recurrence of high-risk, early-stage disease.
• For advanced/metastatic testicular cancer (lungs, liver, brain, etc.).
• For recurrent cancer after initial treatment.

Common Chemotherapy Regimens

• The decision would be based on the seminoma or non-seminoma type of tumor.

Standard Regimens

• BEP (Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin) - most frequently used.
• 3 cycles for good-risk disease
• 4 cycles for intermediate/poor-risk disease
• EP ( Etoposide, Cisplatin) - when the patient is not able to use bleomycin.
• Given for 4 cycles
• VIP (Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Cisplatin) - it is applied in some specific cases and not always in all cases, when bleomycin cannot be administered.

How it’s Given?

• IV; given in cycles (typically 3-4 weeks).
• Each cycle may last 3–5 days of daily treatment.
• Patients can be admitted to the hospital at intervals or treated on daycare chemo units.

Top oncologists for testicular cancer in India

• Dr. Rajiv Yadav
• Dr. Gagan Gautam
• Dr. Anil Mandhani
• Dr. Pramod Kumar Julka

Factors Affecting Affordable testicular cancer treatment in India

Key factors affecting the affordability of testicular cancer treatment in India:

• Treatment Scope: Type & Stage of Cancer
• Hospital Type & Location    
• Medicines & Equipment Costs
• Diagnostics, Follow-Up, and Supportive Care
• Indirect & Hidden Expenses
• Access to Advanced & Personalized Care

Testicular cancer treatment in India with GetWellGo

• GetWellGo provides patients with a way to request cost estimates on different treatment types(such as cancer care) by providing medical reports. They liaise with hospitals to offer low cost, customized packages.
• GetWellGo collaborates with accredited hospitals in India, such as the Fortis, Medanta, Artemis, and many more provide moderate and high-cost care. 
• They offer coordinated medical assessment, hospital/doctor referral services, cost estimates and can guide them throughout the treatment process; this is particularly important to medical tourists who need to have an understanding and convenience.

Why Choose GetWellGo for Testicular Cancer Treatment?

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24 hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for Testicular Cancer treatment.
• Expert Uro-oncologists with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food