Understanding orchiectomies: What you need to know
Orchiectomy — also known as orchidectomy — is the scientific term for the surgical removal of a testicle. It is usually performed to treat and confirm a diagnosis of testicular cancer, though it may be done for other reasons.
If you’ve been told that you need this procedure, you might have some concerns. Does an orchiectomy hurt? How will it change the way your body looks and functions? Will you still be able to have sex and father...

Testicular cancer survivor: Renewed perspective helped me heal
I was blindsided by my stage I testicular cancer diagnosis at age 42. It was the fall of 2020, and I had just moved to a new city, started...
Six-time cancer survivor: How my diagnoses led me to MD Anderson
I’ve been diagnosed with six different cancers over the last 50 years: testicular, prostate, leukemia, bladder, pancreatic and kidney. All...
Retired oncologist: Four things I’ve learned as a six-time cancer survivor
As a retired physician, I have several advantages over the average layperson. First, I can understand the medical jargon used by other doctors. Second, my specialty is radiation oncology, so I’m very familiar with both cancer and its treatment. And third, I know how to be my own advocate in medical situations.
But I’m also a six-time cancer survivor. Here are some things I’ve learned as a patient that might be useful to anyone...

What do your lab test results mean?
Ever logged into MyChart to check on some lab test results, then just stared blankly at the screen once you saw them? You’re not alone. ...
Metastatic testicular cancer survivor: A positive attitude was everything for me
In 2001, I was 31 years old, working full time and engaged to be married. I had no symptoms or abnormalities. But one day, I noticed a knot...
Can a pregnancy test predict testicular cancer?
A social media post about a man’s positive pregnancy test reportedly led to his testicular cancer diagnosis.
The man jokingly took...
How a testicular cancer diagnosis led me to Mt. Kilimanjaro
Before scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro in June 2018, I’d never climbed a real mountain. I live in Beaumont, Texas, which is only around 30 feet above...
Testicular cancer survivor: Do your self-checks regularly
Before I was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 21 last year, I only did self-checks in the shower when I remembered to. That translated...
Best of Cancerwise 2017: Advice from our patients and caregivers
If you — or your child — were diagnosed with cancer, what would you do? How would you handle the treatments and the side effects? How would...