How Is Testicular Cancer Diagnosed?

One of the most effective ways of finding a tumor is by testicular self-examination on a monthly basis.

Most lumps in the testicle are cancerous, but noncancerous masses and cysts can arise from other causes, such as infection.

If a suspicious lump is found, the initial steps toward diagnosis include:

• Physical examination

• Specialized tests

Physical Examination

When symptoms suggest a cancer in a testicle, the doctor:

• Will ask about personal and family history

• Will perform a complete physical examination

• May order a blood test, urine test, and/or chest x-ray

Specialized Tests

These may include:

• Ultrasound of Testicles

  The doctor also may order an ultrasound of the testicles. Ultrasound is a painless test that uses sound waves to produce images of the inner body, and can usually distinguish between normal and abnormal structures. It cannot tell whether any abnormal tissue is actually cancer.

• CT scan or MRI, high tech tests in which computers are used to produce precise images of the inside of the testis.

For further information about CT scan, go to CT Scan.

For further information about MRI, go to MRI.

If these tests are inconclusive, or if cancer is strongly suspected, an operation called an inguinalorchiectomy is performed.