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URO-ONCOLOGY · TESTICULAR CANCER
Testicular Cancer Surgery in Turkey
Testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers, and surgery is almost always the first step. Assoc. Prof. Tuncay Taş explains radical orchiectomy, lymph node surgery (RPLND), fertility planning and recovery in Istanbul.
20+ years
in urology
60+ countries
patients come from
About 1 hour
orchiectomy
94.6%
5-year survival
Survival figure from NCI SEER, United States, 2016 to 2022. Career figures from Assoc. Prof. Taş's clinical profile.
Medically reviewed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taş, urologist · Updated October 2026
What is testicular cancer surgery?
Testicular cancer surgery removes the affected testicle through a cut in the groin. This operation, called radical inguinal orchiectomy, both confirms the diagnosis and treats the cancer.
In fact, for many men it is the only treatment they need. However, some men later need chemotherapy, radiotherapy or retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), an operation that removes lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen.
Testicular cancer mainly affects younger men, with a median age of 33 at diagnosis in the US. Fortunately, about 95 in 100 men are alive five years later.
Which question brought you here?
Most men ask one of five things after a lump or a scan result. So pick the closest one and jump straight to the answer.
An honest word about timing
A suspected testicular tumour should come out within days to a few weeks. So if a urologist near you can operate quickly, do not delay surgery to travel.
Instead, men usually come to Istanbul for one of three reasons:
Long waits at home: when the date offered for surgery is weeks away.
RPLND: a complex operation where the surgeon's experience matters most.
A second opinion: on staging, surveillance or a mass left after chemotherapy.
How testicular cancer is diagnosed
Most men find a painless lump or swelling themselves. Then a few quick tests show whether you need surgery.
Symptoms to check
A lump or swelling: usually painless, in one testicle.
A heavy scrotum: a dragging feeling or dull ache low in the belly.
A change in size or firmness: one testicle feels harder than before.
Breast tenderness: rarely, hormones from the tumour cause this.
Also, many lumps turn out to be harmless cysts or a hydrocele. Still, any new lump deserves an ultrasound within two weeks.
Examination: the urologist feels both testicles and the groin.
Scrotal ultrasound: this shows whether the lump sits inside the testicle, which points to a tumour.
Tumour markers: blood tests for AFP, beta-hCG and LDH, taken before surgery.
CT scan: a scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis checks the lymph nodes and lungs.
Why there is no needle biopsy
Doctors do not usually take a needle sample from a testicle. That is because it could spread cancer cells into the scrotum. Therefore, the surgeon removes the whole testicle, and the lab examines it instead.
Radical inguinal orchiectomy
This is the main operation for testicular cancer. Assoc. Prof. Taş removes the testicle and its cord through a cut of about 5 to 7 cm in the groin.
Why the groin and not the scrotum
The testicle drains to lymph nodes in the abdomen, not to those in the groin. So a groin cut lets him tie the cord high and avoid opening the scrotum. As a result, the risk of cancer spreading along a new route stays low.
Testis-sparing surgery
In a few men, the surgeon takes out only the tumour and keeps the testicle. For example, this may suit a very small tumour in a man with only one testicle. It needs careful selection, so he discusses it case by case.
A testicular implant at the same time
Many men choose a silicone implant to restore the look and feel of the scrotum. Usually, it can go in during the same operation. Read more on the testicular implant page.
Fertility and hormones after surgery
One healthy testicle usually makes enough sperm and testosterone. Still, some men already have low sperm counts when cancer is found.
Sperm banking: store sperm before orchiectomy, and certainly before any chemotherapy.
Semen test: a quick test before surgery shows your starting point.
Testosterone: a blood test after surgery checks whether levels stay normal.
Sex life: erections and orgasm usually stay the same after one testicle is removed.
If sperm counts are very low, sperm may be taken from the remaining testicle during surgery. For more on this, see the micro-TESE sperm retrieval page.
What happens after orchiectomy
The pathology report and your scans decide the next step. In particular, doctors split testicular cancers into seminoma and non-seminoma types.
Stage I, low risk
Common next step: Active surveillance
What it involves: Regular scans and blood tests, with treatment only if it returns
Stage I, higher risk
Common next step: Surveillance or one short course of chemotherapy
What it involves: Chosen after a frank talk about relapse risk
Seminoma with small nodes
Common next step: Radiotherapy or chemotherapy
What it involves: Treatment aimed at the abdominal lymph nodes
Non-seminoma with small nodes
Common next step: Chemotherapy or primary RPLND
What it involves: Surgery may avoid chemotherapy in selected men
Larger spread
Common next step: Chemotherapy first
What it involves: Often BEP chemotherapy, followed by scans
Mass left after chemotherapy
Common next step: Post-chemotherapy RPLND
What it involves: Removes remaining tissue, which may hold active cancer
Usually, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are given by an oncologist near your home. Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Taş works with your home team on surgery and follow-up.
Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND)
RPLND removes the lymph nodes around the aorta and the main vein at the back of the abdomen. Testicular cancer usually spreads there first, so this operation can both stage and cure it.
When RPLND is used
Primary RPLND: for some non-seminomas with small nodes, instead of chemotherapy.
Post-chemotherapy RPLND: for a mass of 1 cm or more left after chemotherapy in non-seminoma.
Teratoma: a tumour part that chemotherapy cannot cure, so it must be removed.
Protecting ejaculation
The nerves that control ejaculation run through the same area. So, where the cancer allows, a nerve-sparing technique protects them and keeps normal ejaculation.
Assoc. Prof. Taş performs RPLND for testicular cancer as part of his uro-oncology practice. Because it is a long and demanding operation, he plans it with your full scans and markers in hand.
Your testicular cancer surgery in Istanbul
For orchiectomy, the whole trip fits into about one week. Furthermore, you agree every step with Assoc. Prof. Taş before you fly.
01
Review of your results
First, he reviews your ultrasound, tumour markers and any scans from home. Then he confirms the plan and whether you want an implant.
02
Tests and sperm banking
Next, blood tests repeat the markers on arrival. If you wish, sperm banking happens before surgery.
03
The operation
Then, under general or spinal anaesthesia, he removes the testicle through the groin. In addition, the tissue goes straight to the pathology lab.
04
Recovery and results
Finally, most men go home the same day or after one night. Before you fly, he checks the wound and explains the pathology report.
How long to stay in Istanbul
Plan about five to seven days for orchiectomy. By contrast, RPLND needs about two weeks, including the hospital stay.
Recovery after testicular cancer surgery
Recovery depends on which operation you have. Therefore, the table compares the two side by side.
Hospital stay
Radical orchiectomy: Same day or one night
Open RPLND: About 4 to 7 days
Desk work
Radical orchiectomy: After about 1 week
Open RPLND: After about 4 to 6 weeks
Driving
Radical orchiectomy: After about 1 to 2 weeks
Open RPLND: After about 3 to 4 weeks
Heavy lifting and sport
Radical orchiectomy: After about 4 to 6 weeks
Open RPLND: After about 6 to 8 weeks
Flying home
Radical orchiectomy: After about 5 to 7 days
Open RPLND: After about 10 to 14 days
Follow-up
Follow-up lasts several years, with blood tests and scans at set intervals. Afterwards, the team sends a written summary in English for your doctor at home.
Life after testicular cancer
Most men return to full work, sport and family life. However, a few habits help you stay well over the long term.
Keep every follow-up visit: most relapses appear in the first two years, and early treatment works well.
Check the other testicle: a monthly self-exam helps, because a second tumour is uncommon but possible.
Heart health: after chemotherapy, regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks matter more.
Hormone checks: tiredness or low sex drive may mean low testosterone, which is treatable.
Talking about it
Many younger men find the diagnosis hard to talk about. So ask about counselling or a support group near home, since both help with worry about relapse, fertility and body image.
Risks of testicular cancer surgery
Orchiectomy is a common and generally safe operation. Even so, every surgery carries some risk.
Bleeding or bruising: a collection of blood in the scrotum, which usually settles.
Infection: uncommon, and treated with antibiotics.
Groin numbness: a small patch of skin may feel numb for months.
Low testosterone: rare with one healthy testicle left, and treatable.
After RPLND: loss of ejaculation, bowel slowdown, lymph fluid leak or, rarely, injury to large vessels.
Moreover, he explains your personal risks in detail before you consent to surgery.
How much does testicular cancer surgery cost in Turkey?
Assoc. Prof. Taş gives each patient a personal written quote after reviewing the scans and markers. That is because an implant, the hospital stay and RPLND change the price a great deal.
Radical inguinal orchiectomy
Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Taş: Personal written quote
United States: Varies by insurer and hospital
United Kingdom: NHS-funded; private prices vary
Orchiectomy with testicular implant
Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Taş: Personal written quote
United States: Implant often billed separately
United Kingdom: Implant offered by some NHS trusts
RPLND
Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Taş: Personal written quote
United States: Varies by insurer and hospital
United Kingdom: NHS-funded at specialist centres
Your quote covers the surgeon fee, hospital care, anaesthesia and pathology. In addition, the coordinator arranges transfers and hotel booking for international patients.
Travelling from the US, Canada or the UK
Good planning keeps surgery abroad safe and joined up with care at home. So the team asks for your records before you book a flight.
Before you fly
Bring your ultrasound and CT reports, ideally with the images on a disc or link.
Bring your latest AFP, beta-hCG and LDH results with dates.
Arrange sperm banking at home if you want it done before you travel.
Back home
You leave with the pathology report, the operation note and a follow-up plan in English. Then your local oncologist can start any further treatment without delay.
Why patients choose Assoc. Prof. Tuncay Taş
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Taş is a urologist with more than 20 years of experience. He also founded Safe Urology Clinic in Istanbul, and patients travel to him from over 60 countries.
Medical degree from Istanbul University School of Medicine, 2004
Urology residency at the University of Health Sciences, Taksim Training and Research Hospital
Fellowship in urological oncology and laparoscopic urology, Heidelberg University, Germany
Treatment in JCI-accredited partner hospitals in Istanbul
Member of the European Association of Urology and the Endourological Society
His cancer practice covers prostate, kidney, bladder and testicular cancer. See the robotic kidney cancer surgery page, or read his full background on the About Us page.
Frequently asked questions
Is testicular cancer curable?
Yes, in most men. In the US, about 95 in 100 men are alive five years after diagnosis.
How long does an orchiectomy take?
The operation takes about one hour, and most men go home the same day or after one night.
Why is the testicle removed through the groin?
A groin cut lets the surgeon tie the cord high and avoid opening the scrotum, which keeps the spread risk low.
Will I be able to have children after testicular cancer?
Most men can, because one testicle usually makes enough sperm. Even so, sperm banking before treatment is wise.
Can I have a testicular implant at the same time?
Usually yes. A silicone implant can often go in during the orchiectomy.
Do I need chemotherapy after surgery?
Not always. Many men with stage I disease only need surveillance, while others need chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
What is RPLND?
RPLND removes lymph nodes at the back of the abdomen, where testicular cancer usually spreads first.
Will RPLND affect ejaculation?
A nerve-sparing technique often keeps normal ejaculation, but this depends on the extent of the cancer.
How much does testicular cancer surgery cost in Turkey?
Assoc. Prof. Taş gives a personal written quote after reviewing your scans and tumour markers.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
Plan about five to seven days for orchiectomy and about two weeks for RPLND.
Sources and further reading
Survival and age figures come from the US National Cancer Institute. For general background, see these public health pages.
This page informs and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. So treatment decisions always follow your own examination and test results.
Talk to Assoc. Prof. Taş about testicular cancer surgery
Book a confidential consultation and get a clear plan, honest timing advice and a written quote.
