Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Cancer of the testicle

Any lump or abnormality in the testicles or scrotum needs to be seen by your GP and, if appropriate, a hospital specialist – remember, most lumps are not cancer.

A specialist will ask questions, perform an examination and organise tests. The first test is usually an ultrasound scan (sound waves transmitted through the testicles showing what they look like on the inside). This scan can usually tell the difference between cancerous lumps and benign (non-cancerous) lumps.

Some cancers of the testicle produce chemicals and release them into the blood stream. These chemicals are called tumour markers, the main ones being alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (BHCG). You may have a test to see if these chemicals are present in your blood. This can help tell if the cancer has spread, how the treatment is working, and later on, whether or not the cancer has come back.

As with many cancers, the best way to diagnose testicular cancer is with an operation. You will have a general anaesthetic and a surgeon called a urologist will look at the testicle through a small cut (incision) in the groin. They may take and examine a small tissue sample (biopsy).

If the operation confirms cancer, then other special tests are needed to see if it has spread. You may have a chest X-ray to look at the lungs and a computerised tomography (CT) scan to look at the lymph glands in the abdomen and chest. It will take about 1-2 weeks to get all the results and to see the specialist for advice on treatment.

• Caesarean sectionCancerCancer of the bile ductCancer of the bladderCancer of the boneCancer of the brainCancer of the breastCancer of the breast, maleCancer of the cervixCancer of the colon, rectum or bowelCancer of the kidneyCancer of the larynxCancer of the liverCancer of the lungCancer of the mouthCancer of the oesophagusCancer of the ovaryCancer of the pancreasCancer of the prostateCancer of the skinCancer of the stomachCancer of the testicleCancer of the thyroidCancer of the uterusCancer of the vaginaCancer of the vulvaCarbon monoxide poisoningCarersCarpal tunnel syndromeCartilage damageCataract surgeryCataractsCatarrhCavernous sinus thrombosisCEA testCellulitisCerebral palsyCerebrovascular diseaseCervical screening testCervical spondylosisCharcot-Marie-Tooth diseaseChemotherapyChest infectionChickenpoxChildren in careChiropracticChlamydiaChloride testCholesterolChorionic Villus samplingChronic fatigue syndromeChronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseCircumcisionCirrhosisCleft lip and palateClinical trialsClub footCoeliac diseaseCognitive behavioural therapyCold soreCold, commonColicColostomyColour vision deficiencyColposcopyCombined contraceptive pillComplaints about NHS servicesComplementary therapiesComplex Regional Pain SyndromeCondoms (male and female)Congenital heart diseaseCongestive heart failureConjunctivitisConsent to treatmentConstipationContraceptionContraceptive implants and injectionsContraceptive patchCoronary angioplastyCoronary artery bypassCoronary heart diseaseCorticosteroid (drugs)Corticosteroid preparations (topical)Cosmetic surgeryCoughCounsellingCradle capCraniosynostosisCreutzfeldt-Jakob diseaseCrohn's diseaseCroupCT scanCushing's syndromeCuts and grazesCystic fibrosisCystitisCystoscopyCytomegalovirus

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