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Medical Author:

Patrick R Frey, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

If a suspicious lump exists, the physician may order tests to assist in making the diagnosis.

Ultrasound

• Testicular ultrasound is an excellent way to evaluate lumps in the testicle. With ultrasound, the technician moves a wand over the area. Sound waves echo to form an image on a computer screen. This procedure is noninvasive and painless.
• In addition, when a collection of fluid or blood exists around the testicle, it may be difficult to feel a mass or lump. Ultrasound can overcome this barrier and give an accurate image of the testicle.

Blood tests

• Blood tests for serum markers are often elevated in testicular cancer.
• These markers include alpha-feto-protein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).