Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer
Early diagnosis of testicular cancer is crucial since the doubling time of testis tumors is estimated to be 10–30 days.1 While survival rates at all stages are very high, an earlier stage at diagnosis carries a better long-term prognosis.
Men are often reluctant to report a swelling or lump in the testicle, resulting in a delay in presentation to a physician.
The following tests are used to diagnose testicular cancers:
Scrotal ultrasonography: In any patient with a testicular mass or unexplained scrotal pain or swelling, an ultrasonogram of the scrotum should be obtained. This test is nearly 100% accurate in distinguishing between intratesticular and extratesticular pathology.2 All intratesticular masses are considered cancer until proved otherwise.
Chest radiograph and computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen to rule out metastases.
Serum tumor markers are obtained for staging. A procedure in which a sample of blood is examined to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs, tissues, or tumor cells in the body. Certain substances are linked to specific types of cancer when found in increased levels in the blood. These are called tumor markers. The following three tumor markers are used to detect testicular cancer:
Alpha-fetoprotein
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin
Lactate dehydrogenase
Radical inguinal orchiectomy is performed for definitive diagnosis. Here the entire testicle is removed through an incision in the groin. This is also the first step in most treatment regimens. Trans-scrotal testicular biopsy is absolutely contraindicated in the diagnosis or management of testicular cancer since it could cause a spread of the cancer to the scrotum and lymph nodes.
Next page: Treatment of testicular cancer
Written by : Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 22, 2012