Contact: (0191) 2138580 – Clare Bird, Uro-oncology Nurse Specialist
Testicular cancer is uncommon and usually affects a small percentage of young men. The main symptoms are lumps in the testicle or a painless swelling, although some discomfort can occur. If your GP feels that you symptoms may show signs of testicular cancer, you will be given an appointment with one of our Clinical Nurse Specialists in the Urology Investigation Suite within 14 days.
The Urology Investigation Suite is based at Freeman Hospital.
Staff you are likely to meet
When you arrive in the Urology Suite, you will be seen by one of our Nurse Specialists who specialise in problems associated with the testicles and scrotum.
The Nurse Specialist will discuss your symptoms and explain what to expect during your time in the clinic.
The types of test you can expect
Blood tests will be taken and an ultrasound scan of the scrotum carried out to try to identify whether or not your symptoms are due to testicular cancer.
What happens next?
If the blood test and ultrasound results show there are no signs of testicular cancer, you will be discharged back to your GP without any need for further investigation.
If the results show that testicular cancer is likely, you will be referred to see one of our consultant urologists to discuss further investigation and treatment options. These include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with treatment dependent upon the type of tumour and whether or not it has spread. For some men, several types of treatment may be required.
There have been remarkable improvements in the treatment of testicular cancer over recent years and the majority of cases are curable when identified in the early stages. It is really important that you see your GP immediately if you notice a swelling or lump in one of your testicles.
