Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer  

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in younger men aged between 15 and 49 in the UK, with around 2,400 diagnoses each year. St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist centre for treating urological cancers and receives referrals for testicular cancer.  

People who have had an undescended testicle, a direct family history of the disease, or a previous diagnosis of testicular cancer are at a greater risk of developing it. The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling in one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture. If you notice any unusual changes, it is important to be assessed quickly, as the cure rate is very high when caught early.  

Self-examination is an essential part of detection and advice can be found on the following link: How to check your testicles – NHS. Should you have any concerns, it is highly advised to ask for your GP to review.  

The testicular cancer service at St George’s University Hospital provides comprehensive, patient-centred care. From diagnosis through to surgical treatment, our multidisciplinary team of experts ensure the best patient care is offered as per the latest clinical guidelines, and holistically supported.  

Services Available  

Diagnostic Pathway: Urgent ultrasound and blood marker testing for the prompt evaluation of testicular symptoms.  Although doctors may strongly suspect testicular cancer based on scans and examinations, a confirmed diagnosis can only be made after orchidectomy surgery and detailed laboratory testing of the tissue removed. This testing usually takes around 3 weeks, meaning that for many patients, the period from referral to confirmed diagnosis is approximately 5 to 6 weeks. 

Surgical Interventions: Expert surgical interventions, including radical inguinal orchidectomy, testis-sparing surgery, and availability for testicular prostheses as per patient choice. Surgery is performed as a day case, in either our main theatre suite or in our day surgery suite (DSU). 

Sperm banking referral will be discussed and processed as per patient’s choice. We are working very closely with NHS Fertility Departments across South West London to ensure seamless pathway. 

Oncology Interventions: All patients with confirmed testicular cancer are subsequently referred to the regional oncology centre for testicular cancer (Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea) in order to evaluate the need for additional systemic treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or lymph node surgery. These adjuvant treatments are not always needed and will be determined by your oncologist upon all results being reviewed at the Royal Marsden.  

Personalised Cancer Care: Routine Holistic Needs Assessments (HNA) to support your physical, emotional, and practical needs, ensuring tailored support is available throughout your pathway with support from your Clinical Nurse Specialist and Support Worker.  

Health and wellbeing information and support also include:  

Access to the Macmillan Information & Support Centre, located on the ground floor of Grosvenor Wing, to find out what support is available in the hospital, locally and nationally, e.g., practical, financial, and how to access it. Along with help understanding cancer and its treatment and how to manage its impact through videos and workshops run by healthcare professionals at St George’s Hospital and in the community. The Macmillan Centre also provides a range of wellbeing workshops which are great opportunities for you and your carers to get together with others affected by cancer.