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.
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.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.