What to look for
Any new painless lump or firmness in a testis in a man between fifteen and forty-five needs an ultrasound within days, not months. Delay is the single biggest reason a curable cancer presents late.
- A painless hard lump or swelling in one testis
- A change in size, firmness or heaviness
- A dull ache in the scrotum or lower abdomen
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Back pain or a lump in the abdomen from enlarged nodes
Diagnosis and surgery
Scrotal ultrasound and tumour markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH) are drawn before surgery because they are needed for staging. The testis is removed through a groin incision, never through the scrotum. Sperm banking is offered before treatment to any man who may want children later — this must be raised before chemotherapy begins, not after.
After the surgery
The pathology and post-operative markers, with a CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis, determine whether you need surveillance, chemotherapy or in some cases retroperitoneal node surgery. Many stage I patients need nothing beyond scheduled monitoring. A silicone prosthesis can be placed at the time of surgery or later if you want one.
Testicular Cancer Treatment — common questions
Can testicular cancer be cured?
Yes, cure rates are very high — over 95% for early disease and still excellent for advanced disease treated with chemotherapy.
Will I still be able to have children?
One healthy testis usually maintains fertility and testosterone. Sperm banking before chemotherapy protects that option regardless.
Why is the testis removed through the groin?
A scrotal incision risks spreading tumour cells into different lymphatic channels and complicating treatment. The inguinal approach is the standard for this reason.
Is a lump always cancer?
No. Epididymal cysts, hydrocele and infections are far commoner. But a solid lump inside the testis needs an ultrasound promptly to tell them apart.
Reviewed by Dr. Kinjal Banerjee, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Urology) — Urologist, Renal Transplant & Robotic Surgeon, Faridabad. This page explains testicular cancer treatment in general terms; your own treatment plan depends on your reports and examination.