Will Removing My Testicles Reduce The Risk of Prostrate Cancer?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a question about testicular enhancement. I would like to get this done as I’m not happy with my size and want them to be larger. I have had a prior vasectomy and I do not ever want children. I also have a family history of  prostate cancer too. I read somewhere removing testicles could help reduce risk. I really don’t want to get cancer ever. Would it be possible to remove mine and then replace them with much bigger implants? I wouldn’t want the side by side technique because I don’t want to have 4 balls in scrotum. I also don’t know about the wrap around thing. I think that would be harder to detect testicular cancer and I’m nervous I wouldn’t be able to tell if it was inside an implant. I wouldn’t be able to feel anything abnormal I think.  Would it be possible for removal for my goal of 100% sterilization and hopefully reduce cancer risk and also make room for the implants? I don’t mind taking a little bit of testosterone on the side to have some level of that. My levels are low anyway. 

Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

A:Thank you for your inquiry. In answer to your questions you certainly can have existing testicles removed and immediately replaced with implants that are larger than that of the natural testicles. That would achieve two of the three goals you have mentioned including assurance of 100% sterilization and to make room for implants. While removing the testicles will certainly eliminate any chance of testicular cancer I would not think that that would similarly reduce the risk of prostate cancer given that emanates from a different anatomic structure. There may be a correlation in terms of cancer reduction but I am not aware of it.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon