How to Learn About the Testicular Cancer Diagnosis Process

Testicular cancer is a disease effecting the testes, or testicles, in which abnormal cells grow at an accelerated rate to create malignant tumors in these organs. The process of diagnosing this disease may begin in the privacy of your own home with a testicular self-exam or as part of a physical examination in a doctor's office. Additional tests by a trained physician are required to confirm a diagnosis of testicular cancer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Be aware of the populations most affected by testicular cancer. This disease is found most often among white males between the ages of 20 and 34. Testicular cancer is uncommon among men of African and Asian descent.
2. Meet with your doctor for a complete physical exam if you suspect you may have testicular cancer. You will also need to provide a complete medical history.
3. Be prepared to undergo an ultrasound examination of your testicles. Ultrasounds uses sound waves to make images of your organs. They are generally painless.
4. Expect to undergo a series of blood tests to aid in the diagnosis of this disease. Your doctor will be looking for specific proteins associated with the presence of testicular cancer cells.
5. Plan for additional tests to determine the extent to which cancerous cells have affected your body. These may include X-rays of the chest or a CT scan.
6. Prepare to adjust your lifestyle after a diagnosis. For example, you may want to learn about the disease as a way of helping yourself understand and cope with what you are facing. Also, if you are normally reluctant to talk about health and sexuality issues, you may need to set your inhibitions aside in order to get the information you need.

Tips & Warnings

• Following a diagnosis of testicular cancer, question your doctor about treatment options.
• As a patient, you have the right to know what options are available to you and to participate in decisions regarding treatment. You may legally designate other individuals to represent you in making these decisions if you are unable to do so.
• Many men faced with a testicular cancer diagnosis have fears regarding their fertility. Having a frank discussion with your doctor about the possibility of infertility and the process of sperm banking can help to ease these fears. If you find that you are overwhelmed with concerns associated with the loss of fertility, talk to your doctor about how to seek further counseling from a trained mental health professional.