Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer
Case Studies
A 21-year-old male noted pain in his right testicle while studying hard for his midterm college
examinations. On self-examination, he noted a “grape sized” mass in the right testicle. This
finding was corroborated by his healthcare provider. This young man had a history of delayed
descent of his right testicle until the age of 1 year old.
Studies Results
Routine laboratory studies Within normal limits (WNL)
Ultrasound the testicle Solid mass, right testicle associated with calcifications
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) 550mIU/mL (normal: <5)
CT scan of the abdomen Enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes
CT scan of the chest Multiple pulmonary nodules
Diagnostic Analysis
At semester break, this young man underwent right orchiectomy. Pathology was compatible with
embryonal cell carcinoma. CT directed biopsy of the most prominent pulmonary nodule
indicated embryonal cell carcinoma, compatible with metastatic testicular carcinoma. During a
leave of absence from college, and after banking his sperm, this young man underwent
aggressive chemotherapy. Repeat testing 12 weeks after chemotherapy showed complete
resolution of the pulmonary nodules and enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. What impact did an undescended testicle have on this young man’s risk for developing
testicular cancer?
2. What might be the side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy?
3. What was the purpose of preserving his sperm before chemotherapy?
4. Is this young man’s age typical for the development of testicular carcinoma?