Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor originating in the male testis, mainly seen in young men aged 15 to 40. The onset is insidious, with no obvious symptoms in the early stage, making it easy for patients to overlook and miss the best treatment window. If not diagnosed and treated in time, the tumor can quickly metastasize to the lymphatic system, lungs, or even the brain, significantly reducing survival rates. Therefore, establishing a systematic and comprehensive diagnostic process is crucial for understanding disease progression and formulating individualized treatment plans.

Diagnostic Basis

1. Physical examination is the key to initial judgment
Doctors assess testicular size, hardness, and the presence of masses or hydrocele through inspection and palpation. This is the first step in diagnosis. When hard lumps or obvious size differences are found, testicular cancer should be highly suspected, and further examinations arranged.

2. Ultrasound examination directly identifies lesions
Testicular B-ultrasound is one of the most commonly used imaging methods, clearly showing the location, size, and internal structure of the mass. Ultrasound is non-invasive, fast, and accurate, effectively distinguishing tumors from benign diseases such as varicocele or orchitis.

3. Tumor marker testing helps classify types
Some tumor markers in serum, such as AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), β-HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), are significantly elevated in certain types of testicular cancer. The combined use of these markers not only aids in diagnosis but is also crucial for evaluating treatment efficacy and monitoring recurrence.

4. MRI and CT determine metastasis
For patients suspected of testicular cancer, doctors often recommend abdominal and pelvic CT or MRI scans to check for lymph node involvement. If lung or brain metastases are highly suspected, chest CT or cranial MRI should be performed. These imaging examinations are critical for staging and treatment planning.

5. Histopathological examination confirms malignancy
If the tumor’s nature is difficult to determine, pathological analysis after orchiectomy may be required to confirm the type and malignancy. Pathology reports are the core basis for deciding subsequent chemotherapy or immunotherapy pathways.

6. Genetic and molecular testing assist precision diagnosis
In recent years, some medical institutions have introduced genetic and molecular testing to understand the gene expression characteristics of tumor cells, which helps judge prognosis and evaluate the suitability of new therapies.

Conclusion

Accurate diagnosis of testicular cancer should combine clinical manifestations, imaging, tumor markers, and pathology. Experts at United Life International Medical Center recommend that young men with testicular masses or discomfort seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid missing the optimal treatment time.