Early and accurate diagnosis of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumor in men from age 20 to 34 years, and the incidence is increasing. Health care providers, therefore, must consider testicular tumors in their differential diagnosis of scrotal pathology. The persistent problem of delay in diagnosis of these neoplasms due to both patient and physician error is discussed. Patient-mediated delays due to ignorance, embarrassment, and fear are common and physician delays due to misdiagnosis of infection or trauma or inadequate follow-up are still prevalent. Careful evaluation of symptomatic patients for the possibility of testicular cancer must be made, along with education of young men about this disease.

Duke Scholars

Author Judd Wendell Moul Urology