Ninety-five percent of men diagnosed with testicular cancer survive it. As one of the largest testicular cancer programs in the U.S., our experience helps us deliver accurate testicular cancer diagnoses fast, increasing your likelihood for a cure.
Testicular Cancer Diagnosis: Why Choose the Abramson Cancer Center?
From the first time you contact us, you become and remain our priority. While most testicular cancers are found before they have spread, it can happen quickly. If you call us about testicular cancer symptoms, we schedule your appointment with one of our experts within days.
If you have testicular cancer, you start receiving treatment just as fast — often within two days of your initial appointment. At the Abramson Cancer Center, you also experience:
- World-renowned testicular cancer experts: Our testicular cancer team includes doctors known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Studies show that the number of cases a hospital treats has a direct influence on survival. These specialists bring decades of experience to your bedside. Meet our genitourinary oncology team.
- Personalized treatment plans: Our world-class cancer specialists work together to develop treatment plans that consider your personal benefits and risks, lifestyle and other factors. We offer standard and experimental therapies, including surgery from top cancer surgeons and advanced radiation treatments like proton therapy. Read more about our comprehensive testicular cancer treatments.
- Testicular Cancer Center of Excellence: The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation has designated us a Testicular Cancer Center of Excellence. The foundation reserves this designation for centers that show the highest level of expertise in testicular cancer treatment. Our patients receive consistent, reliable, effective testicular cancer care.
- Expert advanced practice providers: Our highly trained advanced practice providers (APPs) are cancer researchers, educators and leaders who specialize in genitourinary (GU) cancers like testicular cancer. They make sure you get the diagnostic tests needed for timely treatment. They also guide you through next steps after diagnosis.
- Subspecialized radiologists and pathologists: To receive a detailed diagnosis, you may undergo imaging tests and a biopsy. Our radiologists (imaging specialists) and pathologists (lab specialists) have special expertise in GU cancer treatment. This level of focus ensures they notice details others may miss. Their findings lead to more thorough, personalized treatment plans.
- Expertise in testicular cancer genetics: Rarely, testicular cancers are passed down through families. Our doctors have led groundbreaking research to identify who’s at highest risk of developing testicular cancer. They use this knowledge to improve care and find testicular cancers early, when they’re most treatable.
Get a Second Opinion
If you’ve been diagnosed with testicular cancer and want a second opinion, we can help. Call 215-360-0583 to connect with an oncology nurse navigator.
We will need:
- Imaging relevant to your diagnosis
- Pathology reports for your diagnosis
- Any operative notes from your doctors
Our GU cancer specialists review your medical information, current diagnosis and materials. They then give you a thorough treatment recommendation so you can make informed decisions about your care.
How Do Doctors Test for Testicular Cancer?
If your doctors suspect testicular cancer, you should undergo a medical exam to check for testicle lumps, testicle pain or anything else unusual. You may also need more tests, including:
- Testicular ultrasound: Testicular ultrasound uses sound waves to create images that show the inside of the testicles. It is an effective, noninvasive tool to rule out noncancerous testicle conditions like varicoceles.
- Blood tests: Doctors use blood tests to detect testicular cancer tumor markers. Many testicular cancers release these substances into the body. Testicular cancer tumor markers include:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG)
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Surgery and biopsy: Surgery and biopsy are the only ways to be certain a male has testicular cancer. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the abnormal testicle. Pathologists then examine it under a microscope to look for cancer cells. Read more about testicular cancer surgery.
- Imaging tests: Doctors and radiologists use imaging tests like CT scans to see if cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
How to Check for Testicular Cancer: Performing a Testicular Self-Exam
The National Cancer Institute recommends that you follow these steps when performing your own testicular self-exam:
- Stand in front of a mirror. Look for any changes or swelling on the skin of the scrotum.
- Examine each testicle with both hands. Place your index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers. Don't be surprised if one testicle seems slightly larger than the other. This is normal.
- Find the epididymis, the soft, tube-like structure behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. If you get familiar with this structure, you won't mistake it for a suspicious lump. Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle, but can also appear on the front. They are usually the size of a pea and feel hard or firm to the touch.
- Get to know what your testicles look and feel like. Notice any new changes to how your testicles normally appear.
It is best to perform a testicular self-exam after a warm bath or shower. This is because heat relaxes the scrotum.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.