Your doctor will usually examine your testicles, scrotum and groin for a lump or swelling. Some people may find this embarrassing, but doctors are used to doing these examinations and it will only take a few minutes.
If they find a lump that might be testicular cancer, you will have an ultrasound scan, and then you may have a blood test to look for tumour markers. However, a diagnosis of testicular cancer can only be made by removing the testicle for checking (orchidectomy). Most people will have a CT scan before surgery to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Testicular cancer often grows quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes, so it is important to see your GP as soon as you notice a lump.
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Dr Benjamin Thomas, Urological Surgeon, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne, VIC; A/Prof Ben Tran, Genitourinary Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Nari Ahmadi, Urologist and Urological Cancer Surgeon, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Helen Anderson, Genitourinary Cancer Nurse Navigator, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Anita Cox, Youth Cancer – Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Dr Tom Ferguson, Medical Oncologist, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Dr Leily Gholam Rezaei, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; Dheeraj Jain, Consumer; Amanda Maple, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Jessica Medd, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Department of Urology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital and Headway Health, NSW.
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