Testicular Cancer Staging

Testicular cancer staging is the process of determining the extent of the disease. The stage of the cancer is based on factors such as the size of the tumor, whether the disease has spread, and if so, to which parts of the body. The stages of testicular cancer include stages 0-III and recurrent cancer. In the case of testicular cancer, staging involves tests and procedures such as a chest x-ray, a computed tomography scan, a lymphangiography, and blood tumor marker tests.

 

Testicular Cancer Staging: An Introduction

If a diagnosis of testicular cancer is made, the doctor will then need to determine the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage of the disease when planning testicular cancer treatment. Testicular cancer staging is an attempt to find out the size of the tumor, whether the disease has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body. The doctor may determine the stage of testicular cancer at the time of diagnosis, or the patient may need more tests.
 

Testicular Cancer Staging Tests

The following testicular cancer staging tests and procedures may be used to determine the stage of the disease:
 
  • Chest x-ray
  • Computed tomography scan
  • Lymphangiography
  • Abdominal lymph node dissection
  • Radical inguinal orchiectomy and biopsy
  • Blood tumor marker test.
     
Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film. An x-ray makes a picture of areas inside the body.
 
Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)
A CT scan is a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. A computer linked to an x-ray machine makes the pictures, and a dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly on the pictures. This procedure is also called computerized tomography or computerized axial tomography (CAT).
(Testicular Cancer Staging Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD