Testicular Cancer

Question 1

Define testicular cancer.

Answer 1

Cancer of the testicles. The most common malignancy in young adult men (20 to 34 years of age), and highly curable when diagnosed early.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of testicular cancer.

Answer 2

Cryptorchidism
Gonadal dysgenesis
Family history of testicular cancer
Personal history of testicular cancer
Testicular atrophy
White ethnicity
HIV infection

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of testicular cancer.

Answer 3

Incidence of testicular cancer varies with geography. Across Northern Europe, incidence rates vary from 7.8 per 100,000 in Denmark to 0.9 per 100,000 in Lithuania.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of testicular cancer. Recognise the signs of testicular cancer on physical examination.

Answer 4

Age 20 to 34 years
Testicular mass
Extratesticular manifestation

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for testicular cancer and interpret the results.

Answer 5

Ultrasound (colour Doppler) of testis
CT scan (abdomen and pelvis)
Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG)
Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)