
Dr. Nitin Singhal is a leading onco-surgeon in Ahmedabad, specializing in the diagnosis, surgical management, and treatment of testicular cancer.
With over 15 years of experience in surgical oncology, he offers advanced techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, HIPEC, and minimally invasive procedures to provide precise and patient-focused cancer care.
Testicular cancer occurs in one or both testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system and are responsible for producing sperm and testosterone.
Although relatively uncommon compared with many other cancers, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, particularly between the ages of 15 and 40.
Most testicular cancers are germ cell tumours. They are broadly classified into seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas generally grow more slowly, while non-seminomas can grow more rapidly but may respond very well to chemotherapy.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, particularly when detected early. Common warning signs may include a painless lump or swelling in the testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or a dull ache in the groin, lower abdomen, or scrotum.
Testicular cancer can sometimes develop without causing significant pain. Knowing the possible warning signs can help encourage timely medical evaluation.
Any new lump, swelling, enlargement, or persistent discomfort in the testicle should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Testicular cancer can be highly treatable, especially when identified early. A healthcare professional can determine whether the changes are related to cancer or another condition.
Do not attempt to diagnose a testicular lump yourself. Clinical examination and appropriate diagnostic tests are important for determining the cause.
Testicular cancers are primarily divided into germ cell tumours, with seminoma and non-seminoma being the major categories.
Seminoma is a germ cell tumour that generally develops more slowly than non-seminomatous tumours. It is highly sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy and is often very treatable, particularly when diagnosed at an early stage.
Non-seminomatous germ cell tumours may grow more quickly and include several tumour subtypes. Chemotherapy is an important part of treatment for many patients, depending on the stage and tumour characteristics.
Some testicular cancers contain more than one germ cell component. Treatment is determined according to the tumour components, stage, tumour markers, and overall clinical assessment.
Other uncommon tumours can arise in the testicle. These require specialist assessment because their treatment may differ from the standard approach used for germ cell tumours.
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging, blood tests, and specialist evaluation to understand the tumour and determine its stage.
The doctor examines the testicles and scrotum for lumps, swelling, changes in size, tenderness, or other abnormalities.
Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate a testicular lump and determine whether an abnormal area is located within the testicle.
Blood tests may evaluate tumour markers such as AFP, beta-hCG, and LDH. These markers can assist with diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up.
CT scans may be used to evaluate the abdomen, pelvis, chest, and lymph nodes when determining whether the cancer has spread beyond the testicle.
The removed testicular tissue is examined by a pathologist to determine the type and characteristics of the cancer and guide further treatment.
Dr. Nitin Singhal provides a comprehensive treatment approach for testicular cancer, tailored according to the type, stage, tumour markers, and individual needs of the patient.
Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, active surveillance, or a combination of treatments.
The stage of testicular cancer indicates how far the cancer has spread and helps determine the appropriate treatment strategy.
At Stage I, the cancer is confined to the testicle and has not spread to distant lymph nodes or organs. Treatment commonly begins with radical inguinal orchiectomy. Depending on the tumour type and risk characteristics, patients may then be offered active surveillance, chemotherapy, or other appropriate treatment.
At Stage II, the cancer has spread from the testicle to nearby retroperitoneal lymph nodes in the abdomen. Treatment may include chemotherapy and, in selected cases, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The specific treatment depends on whether the tumour is seminoma or non-seminoma and on tumour-marker levels.
Stage III indicates more advanced disease, which may involve distant lymph nodes or organs such as the lungs, liver, or other parts of the body. Treatment generally involves systemic chemotherapy, with additional surgery or other treatment considered depending on the patient's response and remaining disease.
Testicular cancer is generally staged using the established testicular cancer staging system rather than a conventional Stage IV category. When disease has spread extensively to distant organs, treatment is based on tumour type, tumour markers, metastatic sites, overall health, and response to systemic therapy.
Testicular cancer often affects younger men, making fertility an important part of treatment planning. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can affect reproductive function depending on the treatment and individual circumstances.
Fertility preservation should therefore be discussed before treatment whenever appropriate. For men who may wish to have children in the future, sperm banking may be considered before treatments that could affect sperm production.
Testicular cancer treatment requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate staging, and coordinated surgical and oncological care.
Specialist surgical oncology experience for complex cancer procedures and individualised treatment planning.
Advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical approaches may be considered when clinically appropriate.
Treatment may involve coordination between surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiology, pathology and fertility specialists.
Treatment decisions are tailored to the tumour type, stage, overall health and individual patient needs.
Access to modern surgical and oncological treatment approaches for different stages of testicular cancer.
Care is designed around safe cancer treatment, recovery, quality of life and appropriate follow-up.
Answers to common questions about symptoms, diagnosis, fertility, treatment and recovery.
Common warning signs can include a painless lump or swelling in a testicle, enlargement or change in the size of a testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen. Some men may have no significant pain. Any persistent or unusual change should be evaluated by a doctor.
Evaluation usually begins with a physical examination and scrotal ultrasound. Blood tests may measure tumour markers such as AFP, beta-hCG and LDH. CT imaging may be used to evaluate lymph nodes and other areas for possible spread. The diagnosis and tumour type are established through appropriate pathological assessment.
Testicular cancer and its treatment can affect fertility in some men. Because many patients are young, fertility preservation is an important consideration. Sperm banking may be discussed before chemotherapy or other treatments that could affect sperm production. Individual fertility planning should be discussed with the treating medical team.
Testicular cancer is generally considered highly treatable, particularly when diagnosed early. Treatment success depends on the type of tumour, stage, tumour-marker levels, overall health and response to treatment. Even advanced disease can often be treated with modern cancer therapies.
Radical inguinal orchiectomy is the standard initial surgical treatment for many testicular cancers. The affected testicle is removed through an inguinal approach. Further treatment depends on the pathology, stage and tumour markers.
RPLND stands for Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection. It is a surgical procedure used in selected patients when testicular cancer has spread to or has a significant risk of involving lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum. Whether RPLND is appropriate depends on the cancer type, stage and clinical assessment.
No. Treatment depends on the type and stage of testicular cancer and individual risk factors. Some patients may be managed with surveillance after surgery, while others may require chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or additional surgery.
Many men can continue to live normally after removal of one testicle. The remaining healthy testicle may continue to produce testosterone and sperm. However, fertility and hormone function should be discussed individually, especially when additional cancer treatment is required.
Testicular cancer is more common in younger men. Certain factors, including a history of an undescended testicle and a previous testicular cancer diagnosis, can increase risk. Anyone with a new testicular lump or persistent change should seek medical evaluation rather than relying on risk factors alone.
If you or someone you know has noticed a testicular lump, swelling, pain, or has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, consult an experienced oncology specialist for appropriate evaluation, staging and treatment planning.
Dr. Nitin Singhal has been recognised for his contribution to cancer care and surgical oncology, reflecting his commitment to advanced surgical techniques, clinical excellence and patient-centred care.
Surgical oncology training from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
Expertise across complex and multidisciplinary cancer surgery.
Honoured for excellence in healthcare and surgical oncology.
Focus on evidence-based and personalised cancer treatment.
Recognition that reflects a continued commitment to excellence in cancer care.