What is Testicular Cancer?
With timely diagnosis, testicular cancer is most likely treatable and most often curable. It is the most common cancer in men 15 to 34 years old however it is fairly rare.
How is Testicular Cancer Diagnosed?
- Health record and physical exam: Your urologist will look for lumps, firmness or signs of swelling, and ask about a history of undescended testicles.
- Ultrasound: Your urologist may call for an ultrasound (a noninvasive radiological test) to check any suspicious lump.
- Blood test: A blood sample can be checked for tumor markers (proteins made by most testicular malignancies) that show up if cancer is present.
Unlike many other cancers, testicular cancer is not diagnosed by taking a biopsy (tissue sample).
If your urologist finds cancer, he or she will want to determine its stage and from there, a treatment plan will be set.
To learn more about testicular cancer, please visit the Urology Care Foundation website.