Further tests for testicular cancer

Blood tests (tumour markers) Back to top

Some testicular cancers produce chemicals which are released into the bloodstream. The main chemicals (called tumour markers) are alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (BHCG), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and placental alkaline phosphatase (PALP). If these chemicals are present in the blood, they can be used to assess whether the cancer has spread and to measure the effect of treatment on the cancer.

Samples of your blood will also be taken regularly throughout your treatment to check your general health and the effect that any treatment may be having on the normal cells in your blood.

Chest x-ray and computerised tomography (CT) scan Back to top

Usually, a chest x-ray or CT scan is done to check for any signs that the cancer has spread to the lungs or to the lymph nodes in your abdomen.

The CT scan takes a series of x-rays, which build up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. You may be given a drink or injection of a dye (iodine) which allows particular areas to be seen more clearly. For a few minutes, this may make you feel hot all over. If you are allergic to iodine or have asthma you could have a more serious reaction to the injection, so it is important to let your doctor know beforehand.

The scan takes from 10–30 minutes and you will probably be able to go home as soon as it is over.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan Back to top

This test uses magnetism to build up cross-sectional pictures of the body. Some people are given an injection of dye into a vein in the arm to improve the image.

During the test you will be asked to lie very still on a couch inside a metal cylinder that is open at both ends. The whole test may take up to an hour and is painless, although the machine is very noisy.  You will be given earplugs or headphones to wear.

The cylinder is a very powerful magnet, so before going into the room you should remove all metal belongings. You should also tell your doctor if you have ever worked with metal or if you have any metal inside your body (for example, a cardiac monitor, pacemaker, surgical clips or bone pins). You may not be able to have an MRI because of the magnetic fields.

You may feel claustrophobic inside the cylinder so it may help to mention to the radiographer doing the MRI if you do not like enclosed spaces. They can then offer extra support during the test.

Once you have had all the tests you need, the doctor will have a good idea of the type of cancer and the stage (whether it is just within the testicle or has spread).

It will probably take several days for the results of your tests to be ready and a follow-up appointment will be made for you. This waiting period can be a very anxious time and it may help to talk things over with a close friend or relative.