Following a left orchiectomy for testicular cancer, which statement indicates understanding of postoperative care and prognosis?

Following a left orchiectomy for testicular cancer, which statement indicates understanding of postoperative care and prognosis?

• A. I should continue to perform testicular self-examination (TSE) monthly on my remaining testicle.
• B. I should wear an athletic supporter and cup to prevent cancer in my remaining testicle.
• C. I should always use a condom because I am at increased risk for acquiring an STI.
• D. I should make sure my sons know how to perform TSE because they are at increased risk for this type of cancer.

Answer: (A)

After losing one testicle to cancer, the person remains at risk for a new cancer in the remaining testicle, so vigilantly monitoring the remaining testicle is essential. Performing a monthly testicular self-exam helps detect any new lump or change early, when treatment is most effective. This simple, ongoing self-care reflects understanding of both postoperative care and prognosis because early detection in the remaining testicle improves outcomes and supports a good prognosis overall. The other ideas don’t directly address surveillance of the remaining testicle or prognosis. Wearing an athletic supporter and cup is about protection during activity, not cancer risk. Using a condom relates to STI prevention rather than cancer surveillance. While discussing health with family can be important, the immediate focus after unilateral orchiectomy is routine self-examination of the remaining testicle to catch any recurrence early.

After losing one testicle to cancer, the person remains at risk for a new cancer in the remaining testicle, so vigilantly monitoring the remaining testicle is essential. Performing a monthly testicular self-exam helps detect any new lump or change early, when treatment is most effective. This simple, ongoing self-care reflects understanding of both postoperative care and prognosis because early detection in the remaining testicle improves outcomes and supports a good prognosis overall.

The other ideas don’t directly address surveillance of the remaining testicle or prognosis. Wearing an athletic supporter and cup is about protection during activity, not cancer risk. Using a condom relates to STI prevention rather than cancer surveillance. While discussing health with family can be important, the immediate focus after unilateral orchiectomy is routine self-examination of the remaining testicle to catch any recurrence early.