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Testicular Cancer

Germ Cell Tumors — Diagnosis and Curative Treatment

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Üroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is most commonly a germ cell tumor (95%), divided into seminoma and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT).

Presents most often as a painless, firm testicular mass; scrotal ultrasound is the first-line imaging.

Serum tumor markers (AFP, β-hCG, LDH) guide diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring.

Highly curable; survival exceeds 95% for localized and 80% for metastatic disease.

Symptoms

Painless, firm testicular lump or swelling
Dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum or lower abdomen
Sudden testicular pain from hemorrhage or infarction
Gynecomastia from elevated β-hCG
Back pain from retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy
Shortness of breath or hemoptysis from pulmonary metastases

Risk Factors

Cryptorchidism (undescended testis)
Family history, especially in brothers
Prior testicular cancer (contralateral risk 2-5%)
Testicular microlithiasis in young men with other risk factors
Klinefelter syndrome and germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS)
Subfertility and poor semen parameters

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Any painless testicular mass or asymmetric swelling
  • New testicular pain, heaviness, or change in consistency
  • Back pain with cough, hemoptysis, or gynecomastia in young men

Treatment Methods

01
Radical inguinal orchiectomy is the first step for diagnosis and local control (never trans-scrotal biopsy)
02
Seminoma stage I: active surveillance preferred; adjuvant single-agent carboplatin or para-aortic radiation alternatives
03
NSGCT stage I: surveillance in low-risk; BEP x1 chemotherapy or nerve-sparing RPLND in high-risk
04
Metastatic disease: BEP (bleomycin-etoposide-cisplatin) 3-4 cycles stratified by IGCCCG risk
05
Post-chemotherapy residual mass: surgical resection (RPLND) for NSGCT, surveillance for seminoma or PET-CT-guided approach
06
Sperm banking before orchiectomy/chemotherapy; long-term surveillance and cardiovascular risk management

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Üroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.