Skip to content
🐣 10% discount with code: PÅSK2026 🐣
Registered healthcare provider – safe and secure
Wide range of MRI and blood tests

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a relatively uncommon but highly treatable form of cancer that primarily affects younger men between the ages of 20 and 40. It accounts for about 1% of all cancers in men, but is the most common form of cancer in this age group. The prognosis is very good, and almost everyone affected recovers after treatment.

MRI Prostate

MRI Prostate

Magnetic resonance imaging

7 295 kr

10% discount on testmottagningen.se with the code: PÅSK2026 Health checks for increased well-being

Go to the campaign Browse healthchecks

Contents

Quick version

What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer arises in the testicles, where sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone are produced. There are two main types of testicular cancer:

  • Seminoma – a slow-growing tumor that develops from germ cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles. It is sensitive to both radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
  • Non-seminoma – a more heterogeneous group of testicular cancers that consist of different cell types, such as embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, choriocarcinoma, and yolk sac tumor. Non-seminomas tend to grow faster than seminomas and often require more intensive treatment.

Both types develop from the same type of germ cells but have different characteristics and treatment strategies.

Symptoms of testicular cancer

The most common symptom is an enlarged or swollen testicle. Other symptoms may include:

  • A lump or hardness in the testicle
  • Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
  • A diffuse ache or heaviness in the scrotum
  • Back pain or abdominal pain, if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen
  • Breast enlargement (gynecomastia), which may be due to increased production of beta-hCG, a tumor marker

It is important to note that an enlarged testicle can also be due to other conditions, such as infection or fluid accumulation (hydrocele), which may require different treatment. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you notice any suspicious changes.

Diagnosis and examination

If a lump or induration is detected in the testicle, an ultrasound examination is usually performed to assess the structure of the tissue. Blood samples are also taken to analyze tumor markers, which can help determine the diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Markers in testicular cancer

  • AFP Alpha-1-Fetoprotein – Elevated in non-seminomas, but not in pure seminomas. A high AFP value means that the tumor contains non-seminomatous cell types.
  • Beta-hCG HCG – May be elevated in both seminomas and non-seminomas. High levels of beta-hCG may indicate more aggressive disease, the same marker that is analyzed when pregnancy is suspected in women.
  • LDH Lactate dehydrogenase – A less specific marker that may be elevated in more advanced testicular cancer and reflects the tumor burden.

If testicular cancer is suspected, the affected testicle is removed through an operation called an orchiectomy in order to confirm the diagnosis and analyze the type and spread of the tumor.

Treatment for testicular cancer

Treatment depends on the type of testicular cancer diagnosed and whether it has spread.

  • Early-stage seminoma is treated with surgery and sometimes additional radiation therapy or low-dose chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
  • Non-seminoma is treated more often with cytostatics, especially if the cancer has spread. If the tumor is localized, surgery may sometimes be sufficient.

In disseminated disease, combinations of cytostatics are used, such as the BEP regimen (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin), which has been shown to be very effective against testicular cancer. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove metastases after cytostatic treatment.

Follow-up after treatment

After treatment has ended, patients are followed up regularly with blood tests and imaging tests (e.g., CT scan) to detect any recurrence at an early stage. Tumor markers such as AFP, beta-hCG, and LDH are measured at each follow-up to monitor whether the disease recurs.

Prognosis

The prognosis for testicular cancer is very good, especially if detected early. Approximately 98% of those diagnosed are completely cured, and even in the case of widespread disease, there are effective treatment options that can cure or significantly prolong survival.

Testicular self-examination

Regular self-examination can help detect changes early. This is easiest to do in the shower when the skin is relaxed:

  • Feel each testicle with both hands and roll it gently between your thumb and fingers.
  • Compare the testicles - it is normal for one to be slightly larger.
  • Feel for lumps or calluses - even small changes should be examined by a doctor.

If you suspect changes, you should contact a doctor for further investigation.

Related tests and health checks

MRI examination of organs

MRI Prostate

MRI Prostate

Magnetic resonance imaging
Marker Icon 1 marker
Information

Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

Call included

Call included, one of our doctors will contact you.
  • MRI of the prostate – with IV contrast if needed.
  • Detects prostate cancer at an early stage.
  • Distinguishes benign from malignant changes.
  • Shows enlargement and inflammation of the prostate.

7 295 kr

Other symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostatic hyperplasia

Spermatocyst

Spermatocele

Epididymitis

Epididymitis - Inflammation of the epididymis that can cause pain and swelling in the scrotum

Hydrocele

Hydrocele in the scrotum – Fluid accumulation around the testicle that can cause swelling in the scrotum

Prostatitis

Pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infection

Kidney stone

Erectile dysfunction - impotence
Cart

The basket is empty.

Hos oss får du tillgång till Sveriges bredaste utbud av blodprov, hälsokontroller och MR – med läkare som alltid granskar dina provsvar.

Select tests
Sampling fee
Total
Sampling fee?

The sample collection fee is a fixed cost that refers to the visit to the clinic where you submit your sample. The fee is not affected by how many tests you have ordered, but varies depending on the order value:

Free sampling fee

For purchases over 1 000 SEK, the sampling fee is included.