Testicular Cancer Prognosis
A testicular cancer prognosis is a doctor's well
educated guess or opinion as to what is happening with the patient's health, or
in this case, how severe and treatable the testicular cancer is. There are a
few important things that a prognosis looks to uncover. First is the size,
type, and location of a tumor. Next, the doctor has to determine what stage the
tumor is at so that the correct plan of action can be put into place. When the
stage of the tumor is defined, the doctor knows how likely it is to spread
cancer cells to other parts of the body. The patients age and past health
records also affect testicular cancer prognosis. If a patient was treated for
testicular cancer ten years ago, and a patient of the same age without any
cancer history is treated, they will likely have two different prognoses. Much
of the testicular cancer prognosis is based on history and research compiled by
doctors over decades, as well as the patients unique health background.
It is important to remember a doctor's prognosis is an opinion not based
entirely on fact. Full tests need to be completed before a doctor can tell a
patients exactly what is expected to happen. Patient should not rely on their
own research to attempt at creating their own testicular cancer prognosis. Only
trained doctors are qualified to make a prognosis based on past knowledge and
medical testing.