These symptoms can be caused by cancer or by other conditions. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of these symptoms. To help find the cause and make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will evaluate a man's overall health. In addition to a physical exam, certain laboratory and diagnostic tests will be ordered. If a tumor is suspected, the doctor will probably order a biopsy which would result in the removal of the affected testicle.
Blood tests measure the levels of certain tumor markers, or chemicals, in the blood.
Ultrasound is a diagnostic test in which high-frequency sound waves are bounced off tissues and internal organs. Their echoes produce a picture called a sonogram. Ultrasound of the scrotum can show the presence and size of a mass in the testicle. It is also quite helpful in ruling out other conditions such as swelling due to infection. In nearly all cases of suspected cancer, the entire affected testicle is removed through an incision in the groin in a procedure known as an inguinal orchiectomy.