Diagnosis and tests

Scrotal ultrasound

A scrotal ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the inside of your testicle. This is one of the main ways to determine whether or not your lump is cancerous.

Blood tests

If cancer is suspected you will need a series of blood tests. These tests will be used to detect certain hormones in your blood, which are known as 'markers'. Testicular cancer often produces these markers and they can give a valuable guide to the extent of the disease.

The markers in your blood that will be tested for include:

• AFP (alpha feta protein)
• HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin)
• LDH (lactate dehydrogenate)

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