Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses strong radiation to destroy cancer cells. If seminoma has spread to small lymph nodes in your lower belly (less than 5 cm), radiotherapy may help get rid of it. Sometimes, a short course of chemotherapy is given alongside it.

Before starting, your medical team will carefully mark the area to be treated. Each session lasts about 10-15 minutes, and treatment usually takes place daily for 2-3 weeks. Radiotherapy does not make you radioactive, so it is completely safe to be around others, including children during your treatment.

Radiotherapy for testicular cancer can cause some side effects, but they are usually mild and go away after treatment. Common side effects include:

Skin reactions

Radiotherapy can make your skin feel sore or irritated in the treated area. This usually happens about 2-3 weeks after treatment. This is completely normal and should get better over time. Your healthcare team may suggest vitamin E supplements or soothing creams to help your skin heal. It’s also best to keep the area covered and protect it from the sun. You might notice your skin gets a little darker, but this will fade.

Feeling tired

You may have less energy than usual. A combination of treatment and travel might make you feel tired. Taking short naps or mild sleep medication could help you rest better.

Feeling sick

Some people feel sick or have an upset stomach. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with nausea.

Diarrhoea

If you're having stomach trouble, cutting back on high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, and wholewheat products might help. Drinking plenty of fluids can also keep you from getting dehydrated.

Understanding why you need radiotherapy and how it works can help you feel more confident about your treatment. It also allows you to know what to expect, so you can be better prepared.

Here are some important questions you might want to ask your doctor.

• Why do I need radiotherapy?
• How many sessions will I need, and how long will each session take?
• Will I need chemotherapy alongside radiotherapy?
• What are the common side effects of radiotherapy?
• What can I do to help with side effects like skin irritation or stomach problems?
• Will radiotherapy affect my ability to have children, and should I think about storing sperm?
• Is there anything I should avoid eating or doing during treatment?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Will I need further tests or scans after treatment?
• What are the chances of the cancer coming back?

This chapter contains general information about radiotherapy. If you have any specific questions about your own medical situation you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. No website or leaflet can replace a personal conversation with your doctor.

Last updated: March 2025