Tumour markers for testicular cancer

These are released into the blood and can be measured by simple blood tests. Most NSGCTs| (teratomas) and some seminomas| produce these. Not all men with testicular cancer have raised markers.

If your cancer produces markers, you’ll become familiar with having these measured. There are four main tumour markers:

• AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) - usually raised in NSGCTs.
• HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) - usually raised in NSGCTs and sometimes in seminomas.
• LDH (lactic dehydrogenase) - usually raised when testicular cancers have spread.
• PLAP (placental alkaline phosphatase) - can be raised in seminoma.

Tumour markers have a number of different uses. They can be used to:

• diagnose testicular cancer
• find out if it has spread
• monitor you after surgery
• watch how you’re responding to treatment
• check that the cancer hasn’t come back.

Tumour markers are measured before and usually a week after your operation. How quickly tumour marker levels fall gives doctors information about the risk of the cancer coming back. This helps them plan your treatment.