Testicular Cancer Panel

Service Description

BIOMARKERS: -- Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG+β) -- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Testicular cancer occurs when cells in one or both testicles become malignant or cancerous in a process of uncontrolled cell growth. The testicles, also known as testes, are a part of the male reproductive system and are contained in the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. They produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Tumour markers are substances often found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood, urine, or body tissues of some people with certain types of cancer. AFP is a protein produced by a foetus's liver and yolk sac. Normally, AFP levels should be low in adult men. An elevated level of AFP may indicate the presence of certain types of testicular cancer, primarily non-seminomas. Seminomas rarely produce this marker. Beta-hCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy but can also be produced by some germ cell tumours, both seminomas and non-seminomas. Elevated levels in men can indicate the presence of testicular cancer. Sample: BLOOD Results: NEXT DAY Phlebotomy fee: Included in price