Testicular Tumour Profile

The Testicular Tumour Profile is a focused blood panel used to investigate suspected testicular tumours and to support the monitoring of known disease. It is requested for men and boys presenting with a testicular mass, swelling, or unexplained testicular symptoms, and for patients already diagnosed who require baseline or follow-up marker assessment. The panel is analysed in the laboratory using quantitative immunoassay and enzyme activity methods, giving reliable, reproducible measurements that clinicians can compare over time.

Tumour Markers
- Human chorionic gonadotrophin plus beta subunit (hCG+β): a hormone marker that can be raised in certain germ cell tumours, including choriocarcinoma and some mixed tumours.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): a protein marker associated with non-seminomatous germ cell tumours and some other germ cell elements.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): a general enzyme marker of cell turnover and tumour burden, useful for assessing disease activity and monitoring response.

Why it matters
Testicular cancer is highly treatable when identified early, and tumour markers provide objective information that imaging and examination alone cannot. Measuring hCG+β, AFP, and LDH together helps clinicians distinguish between tumour types, establish a baseline before treatment, and track how well a patient is responding to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. A rise or fall in these markers can signal recurrence or remission, guiding timely changes in management. This profile therefore supports faster, more informed decisions at every stage of the patient pathway.