For screening, diagnosis and monitoring of cancer, doctors often order tests for testicular cancer tumor markers. These are specific proteins that are produced in large amounts by malignant testicular tumor cells and enter the bloodstream. Normally, these substances are absent or present only in minimal concentrations, but when cancer develops, their levels rise significantly.
- Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) — the most specific marker for this disease
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) — a general tumor marker that rises in testicular cancer, teratoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastases, and cancers of the GI tract, kidneys and pancreas
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) — elevated in some nonseminomatous and seminomatous tumors
💡 Are tumor markers effective for diagnosing testicular cancer?
Tumor marker testing is an important way to confirm the diagnosis. An increase or change in marker levels over time matters to the doctor and depends on:
- the stage of the disease
- the activity of the cancer
- the risk of metastases
However, tumor markers can also rise in conditions other than cancer. That is why testing is always supplemented by:
🔹 ultrasound
🔹 biopsy
🔹 histology
🩺 Tumor marker levels are measured:
- to screen men in risk groups
- when testicular cancer is suspected
- to choose a treatment strategy
- to assess the effectiveness of therapy
- to monitor for recurrence and metastases
The test uses a venous blood sample taken on an empty stomach (after 10–12 hours of fasting).
Recommendations before the test:
✅ do not take medicines without consulting your doctor
✅ avoid alcohol and fatty foods
✅ do not undergo invasive procedures the day before
✅ minimize physical exertion and stress
✅ do not smoke for an hour before the test
You can have all testicular tumor marker tests done at the clinical diagnostic laboratory of the Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Center. The laboratory has modern equipment that ensures highly accurate results and makes it possible to detect abnormal changes in time for effective treatment.
