Testicular Cancer

Home » Testicular Cancer » Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

To diagnose testicular cancer physicians must rule out the following conditions:

• Accumulation of fluid in the testicle (hydrocele)
• Cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma)
• Cyst on the surface of the testicle that contains sperm (spermatocele)
• Enlarged veins in the testicle (varicocele)
• Inflammation of the surface of the testicle (epididymitis)
• Twisting of the testicle (testicular torsion)

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image of the testicle on a computer screen. This test determines if a mass is a benign condition (e.g., hydrocele) or a solid tumor. A solid tumor in the testicle is usually cancerous.

When a solid tumor is detected by ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan) of the pelvis, abdomen, and chest is performed to determine if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs. CT scan uses x-rays and, in some cases, a contrast agent (dye) to produce a detailed image on a computer screen.

Blood Tests
Certain types of testicular cancer raise the level of substances (so-called tumor markers) in the blood. For example, nonseminomas raise the level of proteins (e.g., alpha-feta protein [AFP]); seminomas and nonseminomas raise the level of hormones (e.g., human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG]); and advanced seminomas and nonseminomas usually raise the level of enzymes (e.g., lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]). Blood tests that measure the levels of these substances are used to diagnose testicular cancer and, in some cases, to determine the extent of the disease.

Biopsy is performed when other diagnostic tests are inconclusive. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin (inguinal incision), removes the testicle from the scrotum without cutting the spermatic cord, and may remove suspicious tissue for microscopic examination.

More often the testicle is removed when the mass is shown to be within the testicle due to the very high incidence of malignancy. If no cancer is found, the testicle is returned to the scrotum. If cancer is detected, the testicle and spermatic cord are removed (called orchiectomy) and the stage of the disease is determined.

© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Testicular Cancer Resources

	Join Our Testicular Cancer Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar.