Physician 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).