Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is among the less common types of cancer and typically affects males of younger age. The vast majority of patients are between the ages of 15 and 49.

What is Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is among the less common types of cancer and typically affects males of younger age. The vast majority of patients are between the ages of 15 and 49. A small number of patients belong to older age groups. The testes are a part of the male genitalia, either side of the penis. They produce sperm for reproduction and important male hormones. There are several different types of testicular cancer, each dependent on where the cancer originated.

We work together to combine the highest levels of consultant-led care and patient choice with the most advanced knowledge and understanding of the disease and its forms.

Learn More About Testicular Cancer

One of the most important things men can do to help prevent cancer from going undiagnosed for longer is getting to know their bodies. If they then notice any changes in their testes or scrotum they can see their GP and get diagnosed quickly, with more chance of catching the cancer at earlier stages.

Symptoms

A lump, enlargement or abnormality in a testicle
A heavy feeling in the scrotum
A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
Back pain

Diagnosis

The first stage of diagnosing testicular cancer is usually a physical examination of the testicles. The examination consists of feeling for lumps or abnormalities. This is followed by a painless scrotal ultrasound scan and blood tests. If the preceding tests are indicative of cancer, the diagnosis will then move into a more serious stage.

If the test results are suspicious for cancer, the next step would be confirming the histological diagnosis. In most cases, this involves surgical removal of the abnormal testicle. This allows a detailed examination of the testicle under a microscope while not risking spreading the cancer to the scrotum. (Our Clatterbridge specialists will only remove the testicle if they are reasonably certain that it’s cancerous – ‘we don’t have any surgeons at Clatterbridge’)

Once the histology has been completed, other tests will be carried out to check if the cancer has spread.