Testicular Cancer

Exam Cram

• Testicular cancer is the commonest form of cancer for men in their twenties

• Presentation: painless firm testicular lump

• Diagnosis: can be made with ultrasound & BHCG/ AFP

• Management: orchidectomy unless contraindications

Outline

Classification by cell type

Choriocarcinoma

• Raised BCHG, early spread to liver, good response to treatment

• 1% of germ cancers

• Normal AFP

Seminoma

• 90% normal BHCG

• Pulmonary metastases

• 40% of germ cancers

• Normal AFP

• BHCG most specific markers

Teratoma

• Raised BHCG & AFP

• Some do not have metastatic potential, making orchidectomy only necessary intervention

Management

1. Work Up

   • BHCG, AFP

   • Ultrasound testes

2. Orchidectomy 

Resources and References

Written in 2025