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Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer



In order to diagnose testicular cancer the doctor will initially perform a routine test to determine the overall health of the individual. Thereafter the doctor will perform a physical examination as well as certain diagnostic and laboratory tests.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests are used in the diagnosis of testicular cancer as they measure the levels of tumor markers which are the substances that are found in higher amounts in case a cancer is present.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a medical test wherein high frequency sound waves are used to bounce off internal tissues and organs and these sound waves tend to form a picture which is known as a sonogram. The sonogram of the scrotum will help in showing the presence as well as the size of the tumor that has developed in the testicle. Additionally, the ultrasound would also help in ascertaining if the swelling or the collection of fluid is because of an infection or any other cause not related to cancer.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a medical test wherein a testicular tissue sample is taken and then observed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for the presence of cancer cells.

Once these tests are completed and testicular cancer is diagnosed, the doctor may perform a series of tests to determine if the cancer has spread to any other parts of the body and determine the extent at which the cancer is at, so that the appropriate treatment may be administered.