All patients with a suspected diagnosis of testicular cancer should undergo a general examination with assessment of the abdomen (to assess for lymph glands and organs) and an examination of the scrotum. All patients will have a testicular ultrasound to demonstrate that they do indeed have a solid testicular swelling. Further imaging including a CT scan would be considered if there is a concern of spread of the testicular cancer beyond the testis. In addition they will have blood tests to see if blood levels of two marker proteins are elevated: HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) and AFP (alpha foetoprotein).
The majority of patients will undergo a surgical removal of the testicle via an inguinal orchidectomy to confirm the diagnosis of a testicular cancer.
