Testicular cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of methods:
- Physical Examination: The doctor will check for any lumps or abnormalities in the testicles.
- Ultrasound: If a lump is found, a testicular ultrasound is often the next step. Ultrasounds use sound waves to produce images of the testicles and can help distinguish between a solid mass (which might be cancerous) and a fluid-filled cyst (which is usually not cancerous).
- Blood Tests: Certain blood tests can detect elevated tumor markers in some types of testicular cancer. The most common markers are alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
- Biopsy: Although it’s less common due to the risk of spreading cancer, a biopsy (removing a small piece of tissue to be examined under a microscope) might be performed. More typically, the entire affected testicle is removed in a procedure called radical inguinal orchiectomy and then examined.
- Imaging Tests: Additional imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI may be used to determine whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Each step helps provide a comprehensive overview of the patient's condition and guides the treatment plan. Individuals experiencing testicular cancer symptoms can obtain a prompt and accurate diagnosis from the GW Cancer Center Urological Oncology Program’s multidisciplinary team of medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, and advanced practice providers.
