Cancer Types
Common cancer types: symptoms, diagnostic methods and current treatment options.
Do you have a question?You can write via WhatsApp for an appointment or a second opinion.
WhatsApp AppointmentUrological
Testicular Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Sources reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali OğulLast updated: October 2026
Testicular cancer symptoms, tumour markers, staging, surgery, chemotherapy (BEP) and follow-up. Common in young men. Medical oncology in Mersin.
Key information
| Definition | A malignant tumour of the testis, mostly of germ cell origin |
|---|---|
| Main risks | History of undescended testis, family history, previous testicular cancer |
| Common symptoms | Painless lump or swelling in the testis |
| Diagnosis | Scrotal ultrasound, AFP, beta-hCG, LDH, orchiectomy, CT |
| Treatment | Surgery, surveillance, chemotherapy, radiotherapy in selected patients |
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer mostly affects young men aged 15–40, and the great majority are germ cell tumours. They are divided into two main groups: seminoma and non-seminoma. Even in advanced stages it is a cancer that is highly sensitive to chemotherapy; treatment should be planned according to guidelines by an experienced team [1][2].
Risk factors
A history of undescended testis (cryptorchidism), previous cancer in one testis, a family history of testicular cancer and some genetic conditions are risk factors [2][3].
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling in the testis. A feeling of heaviness in the testis, groin pain and breast enlargement may occur; in advanced disease there may be back pain, cough or shortness of breath. Any new lump noticed in the testis should be assessed by a urologist [1][3].
Most of these complaints can also be caused by other conditions; complaints that persist or get worse need to be assessed by a doctor.
How is it diagnosed?
Scrotal ultrasound is the first imaging method. Tumour markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH) are measured before and after surgery. Diagnosis is made by orchiectomy through the groin; biopsy is generally not done through the scrotum. Chest-abdomen-pelvis CT is used to assess spread. Sperm banking should be discussed before chemotherapy [1][4].
Staging
Staging is based on TNM and serum markers (S). In disseminated disease, the IGCCCG risk classification (good, intermediate, poor risk) determines the number of chemotherapy cycles and the regimen [1][4].
Treatment options
- Stage I: After orchiectomy, close monitoring (active surveillance) is the option for most patients. Depending on risk features, a single cycle of carboplatin in seminoma or a single cycle of BEP in non-seminoma may be used in selected patients.
- Disseminated disease: BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) or EP chemotherapy is given according to the risk group. Residual masses after chemotherapy are surgically removed in selected patients (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection).
- Radiotherapy in seminoma: Radiotherapy may be an option in selected low-volume disease.
- Recurrent disease: Salvage chemotherapy (e.g. TIP) or high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support is considered in experienced centres [4][5].
Treatment is planned individually, taking into account the stage, tumour characteristics, general condition and the patient’s preferences. Not every option listed here is suitable for every patient.
Recent developments
Active surveillance is increasingly preferred in stage I disease to reduce unnecessary treatment. In long-term survivors, monitoring of late effects such as cardiovascular disease, hearing and hormone problems has become more important [4][5].
Support and follow-up during treatment
During treatment, not only the anti-cancer drugs but also the patient’s general condition is monitored. Nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain, infection risk and changes in mood are asked about at every visit; when needed, preventive medication, nutritional support, physiotherapy and psychosocial support are planned. In situations such as fever, shortness of breath, uncontrollable diarrhoea or vomiting, or new severe pain, it is advisable to contact the treatment team without waiting for the scheduled visit. Herbal products and supplements can interact with some cancer drugs, so the treatment team should be consulted before using them.
Follow-up is carried out with tumour markers and imaging; intervals vary according to stage and the treatment given. Monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, testosterone and hearing is recommended for those who received chemotherapy.
Frequently asked questions
In most men the remaining testis produces enough hormones and sperm. The option of sperm freezing should be discussed before chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Men who know their testes can notice a new lump earlier; if there is a suspicious change, a urologist should be consulted.
AFP, beta-hCG and LDH are used for staging, assessing treatment response and detecting recurrence early.
Most stage I patients are already treated by surgery; close monitoring avoids unnecessary chemotherapy by starting treatment only if the disease recurs. The decision is made jointly based on risk features.
Call +90 530 250 54 85 or write to the same number via WhatsApp. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00.
At the medical oncology outpatient clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital, Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye. The assessment is done in person.
When needed, yes. The multidisciplinary tumour board meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, and the sequence of surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatment is planned jointly.
Yes. A second opinion is a common way to clarify a treatment plan. Bring your pathology, imaging and discharge reports to the clinic for the assessment.
Pathology report, imaging reports and, if possible, the image CDs, discharge summary, recent blood tests and a list of the medicines you take. Translated copies are helpful if your documents are not in Turkish or English.
Medical oncology consultation for testicular cancer in Mersin
If you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, or your diagnostic work-up is ongoing, you can apply for a medical oncology consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Oncology Hospital (Çiftlikköy Campus, 33110 Yenişehir/Mersin, Türkiye). Medical oncology covers the planning of drug treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy, the monitoring of side effects and follow-up after treatment. The hospital has a day treatment unit where drug treatments are given.
Treatment decisions are made by a team. When needed, patient files are discussed at the multidisciplinary tumour board, which meets every Friday from 09:00 to 13:00 with specialists from the relevant departments.
For appointments, call +90 530 250 54 85 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number with your name, diagnosis and reason for the request; you can also send your reports. The outpatient clinic is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. No diagnosis or treatment recommendation is given via WhatsApp; the assessment takes place in person at the clinic. Consultations are held in Turkish.
Appointment
Evaluation and second opinion
If you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer or would like a second opinion on your current treatment plan, you can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Oğul with your pathology report and imaging results.
This content is for information only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
References
- ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines – Testicular seminoma and non-seminoma. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-genitourinary-cancers
- EAU Guidelines – Testicular Cancer. Accessed: October 2026. https://uroweb.org/guidelines/testicular-cancer
- NCI – Testicular Cancer (PDQ). Accessed: October 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular
- NCCN Guidelines – Testicular Cancer. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1
- IGCCCG Update Consortium. Accessed: October 2026. https://www.eortc.org/
Links open external sources. The references were accessible as of October 2026.