How is testicular cancer detected?
What to expect during your appointment: exam, blood test, and ultrasound. First, the doctor will examine your testicles for lumps or swelling. A blood test will be performed to test for certain proteins in your blood. These proteins are called tumor markers and can be used to diagnose testicular cancer.
Can testicular cancer be detected by ultrasound?
An ultrasound is often the first test done if the doctor thinks you might have testicular cancer. It uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of your body. It can be used to see if a change is a certain benign condition (like a hydrocele or varicocele) or a solid tumor that could be a cancer.
Can a CT scan detect testicular cancer?
To determine whether cancer has spread outside of your testicle, you may undergo: Computerized tomography (CT) scan. CT scans take a series of X-ray images of your abdomen, chest and pelvis. Your doctor uses CT scans to look for signs that cancer has spread.
Can testicular cancer be cured?
If the cancer returns following treatment for stage 1 testicular cancer and it’s diagnosed at an early stage, it’s usually possible to cure it using chemotherapy and possibly also radiotherapy. Some types of recurring testicular cancer have a cure rate of over 95%.
Is testicular cancer fast growing?
Seminomas are testicular cancers that grow slowly. They’re usually confined to your testes, but your lymph nodes may also be involved. Nonseminomas are the more common form of testicular cancer. This type is faster growing and may spread to other parts of your body.
How can I check my balls at home?
The three basic steps are:
- Hold one testicle between the thumbs and fingers of both hands and roll it gently between your fingers.
- Look and feel for any hard lumps, or smooth, rounded bumps, or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of the testicles.
- Repeat with your other testicle.
How big is the lump for testicular cancer?
Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in 1 of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles. The swelling or lump can be about the size of a pea, but may be larger.
Do your balls hurt if you have testicular cancer?
Symptoms of testicular cancer may include: A painless lump or swelling on either testicle. If found early, a testicular tumor may be about the size of a pea or a marble, but it can grow much larger. Pain, discomfort, or numbness in a testicle or the scrotum, with or without swelling.
Can you live with untreated testicular cancer?
For testicular cancer that has not spread beyond the testicles (stage 1; see Stages), the survival rate is 99%. Approximately 68% of men are diagnosed at this stage. For testicular cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen, called the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, the survival rate is 96%.
Can testicular cancer go away by itself?
Testicular cancer is unusual; most others do not disappear. But there is growing evidence that cancers can go backward or stop, and researchers are being forced to reassess their notions of what cancer is and how it develops.
Is testicular cancer fatal?
Testicular cancer is a potentially deadly disease. Although it accounts for only 1.2% of all cancers in males, cancer of the testis accounts for about 11%-13% of all cancer deaths of men between the ages of 15-35.
How can I find out if I have testicular cancer?
The doctor may order an ultrasound exam (see Tests for Testicular Cancer ). This is an easy and painless way of finding a tumor. If you choose to examine your testicles regularly, you will get to know what’s normal and what’s different. Always report any changes to your doctor without delay.
How are biopsies used to diagnose testicular cancer?
Some of these tests also will be used to monitor progress and modify the treatment plan if needed. Tests designed for diagnosing testicular cancer include: Biopsy : Biopsies for testicular cancer are usually performed only after removing the affected testicle because of the danger of the cancer spreading into lymph nodes.
How is CTCA used to diagnose testicular cancer?
At CTCA, a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts will use a variety of tools designed for diagnosing testicular cancer, evaluating the disease and developing your individualized treatment plan. Some of these tests also will be used to monitor progress and modify the treatment plan if needed.
What kind of tests are done on testicles?
When the testicle is removed, it is sent to the lab, where a pathologist will perform tests for a more specific diagnosis. Lab tests : Tests may be performed in the laboratory to determine the specific type of testicular cancer. These tests help identify proteins most frequently associated with testicular germ cell cancers.