Description
An abnormal growth of cells in the testicle. There are many different types of testicular cancer. The ability to spread and cause disease in other areas of the body depends on the type. The two most common types of testicular cancer are seminoma and non-seminoma. The cancer typically only involves one testicle. This disorder is the most common form of cancer in young men, and occurs most often between ages 20-40.
Symptoms
Testicular pain, testicular swelling, a mass felt in the testicle, and/or pain in the lower abdomen or back.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Establishing the diagnosis requires imaging tests, a testicular biopsy, and blood tests. The blood tests for tumor markers are alpha fetoprotein (AFP), HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH).
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Alpha fetoprotein (AFP), HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH).
Specialists:
Urology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Establishing the diagnosis requires imaging tests, a testicular biopsy, and blood tests. The blood tests for tumor markers are alpha fetoprotein (AFP), HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH).
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Alpha fetoprotein (AFP), HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH).
Specialists:
Urology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology)
Treatment
Therapy depends on the type of tumor, extent of the disease, and the medical health of the patient. Treatment may include: surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.