When A Testicle Is Removed, Does Other Grow Larger?

skyhawk62507 · Newbie Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 1

I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January, and had an orchiectomy at the end of that month. I was told by my oncologist that it was normal for the remaining testicle to grow larger, as it is now doing the work of two.

That made sense to me, and it has gotten bigger... but I am still freaked out because the cancerous testicle got bigger, too, and that turned out to be a major deal. So far, the remaining testicle isn't anywhere as big as the cancerous one grew to be.

What bothers me, is I can't find anything on the web to confirm my doctor's assurance. He is a very respected oncologist, and came highly recommended. He also told me that it's not uncommon for guys to get scared when they notice the other one start to grow. Well, I'm there.

I am on the observation plan for recurrence of cancer. I just had my first appointment two weeks ago, and all was normal (chest x-ray, tumor markers, and a testicular exam.) My next one is April 17th. I also don't feel any abnormal bumps along the sides of my testicle -- just the epidydymis on top, and the spermatic cord underneath. It feels firm... firmer than I remember, but that could be my paranoia... but not rock-hard.

Any help/assurance/information anyone can provide is appreciated.

derrickM. · Silver Member Joined: 16 Dec 2005 Posts: 182

Hi there! I am very sorry to hear what you have to go through and to be honest it is quite normal to feel the way you do and to be paranoid.
You probably already know about all the statistics and recurrence rates and possibilities but the thing is that there is nothing you can do except educate yourself, do regular check-ups and have regular follow-ups with your doctor.

Every year around 9000 cases of testicular cancer arise and 95 percent of them get cured. Yes, of course there are chances of both recurrence and cancer showing up in the other testicle (which would be another cancer and not the recurrence of the first one) but then again, there is nothing you can do to prevent it.

Fussing about it all the time won’t lead you anywhere and you will be paranoid forever. It is good to be a little paranoid but not at the cost of causing other problems and raising stress levels. I understand this is all very fresh since it’s been only 2-3 months but you NEED to go on.
You can decide to write down your story and share it with others, on the forum or elsewhere, it may help you and other going through the same thing.

I haven’t been through the same problem but considering I am male I did a little research on this topic but I don’t recall running into information about other testicle growing in size. But if your doctor says it happens, I guess it does. He has the experience with it.

I know that you can still father and have regular sex life once you feel ready for it.

Have you put an implant in the place of the missing testicle or not?

When A Testicle Is Removed, Does Other Grow Larger?

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