This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science.
This page was updated on June 8, 2022.
A thorough and accurate cancer diagnosis is required before developing a testicular cancer treatment plan. At City of Hope, a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts will use a variety of tools designed for diagnosing testicular cancer, evaluating the disease and developing your individualized treatment plan.
Some of these tests also will be used to monitor progress and modify the treatment plan if needed. Tests designed for diagnosing testicular cancer include:
Biopsy: Biopsies for testicular cancer are usually performed only after removing the affected testicle because of the danger of the cancer spreading into lymph nodes. When the testicle is removed, it is sent to the lab, where a pathologist will perform tests for a more specific diagnosis.
Lab tests: Tests may be performed in the laboratory to determine the specific type of testicular cancer. These tests help identify proteins most frequently associated with testicular germ cell cancers.
Imaging tests: Various imaging procedures may be performed to help determine whether the testicular cancer has spread to other parts of the body or to monitor a patient’s treatment progress. Common imaging tests used to diagnose testicular cancer include:
Next topic: How is testicular cancer treated?