Urologic Oncology Center Offers Prompt Diagnoses for Testicular Cancer Patients

Health experts agree that early, accurate detection and diagnosis of testicular cancer can lead to more successful treatment outcomes. At University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and the Urologic Oncology Center, our team of health care professionals will complete a full evaluation of the patient’s health and lifestyle history and recommend the appropriate cancer tests during the initial diagnostic appointment.

Diagnosing Testicular Cancer

The following tests may be administered:

  • A physical exam: The physician will examine the testicles, searching for any hard bumps or nodules or for changes in size, shape or consistency.
  • X-ray: An X-ray of the chest may help determine whether the cancer has spread to the lungs.
  • Computerized tomography (CT): This test consists of a series of X-ray images of the patient’s abdomen. The UH Seidman Cancer Center surgeon uses these scans to look for signs of cancer in the abdominal lymph nodes.
  • Ultrasound: An ultrasound test utilizes sound waves to create a picture of the testicles and scrotum, which allows the UH Seidman Cancer Center physician to determine the nature of the lumps. For example, the test can reveal if they are solid or filled with fluid.
  • Blood tests for tumor markers: The physician may order a blood protein test to determine the levels of tumor markers, which are substances produced by tumor cells or other cells of the body in response to cancer or certain benign (noncancerous) conditions.

Types of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer can be classified into two types:

  • Seminoma: While these tumors can occur in all age groups of men, they are usually found in older males. Typically, seminomas are not as aggressive as nonseminoma tumors and are particularly sensitive to radiation therapy.
  • Nonseminoma: Nonseminoma tumors usually develop earlier in life, and tend to grow and spread rapidly. There are several different types of nonseminoma tumors including choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma and yolk sac

Testicular Cancer Staging

Once the UH Ireland Cancer Center physician confirms the patient’s diagnosis, the following tests may be administered to detect the stage of the individual’s cancer:

  • Computerized tomography
  • Blood tests

After these tests are completed, the patient’s testicular cancer is assigned a stage. The stage of cancer determines which type of treatment will be best suited for the patient.

  • Stage I: The cancer is limited.
  • Stage II: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
  • Stage III: The cancer has spread to other parts of the patient’s body, including the lungs, liver, bones and brain.