Testicular Cancer Staging
When testicular cancer is diagnosed, tests will be performed to determine how much cancer is present, and if the cancer has spread from the testis to other parts of the body. This is called staging, and is an important step toward planning a treatment program.
As defined by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the stages of testicular cancer include the following:
- Stage I the cancer is limited to the testis
- Stage II the cancer involves the testis and has spread to lymph nodes in the lower abdomen
- Stage III the cancer has spread to lymph nodes outside of the lower abdomen, to the lungs, or to another organ
Procedures for determining stage include the following:
- computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
- lymphangiography - images of the lymph system in which dye is injected into a lymph vessel to improve images.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
In addition to these imaging procedures, chest x-rays, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, or other scans may be requested.
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