Seminoma laboratory findings

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sujit Routray, M.D. [2]

Laboratory Findings

Complete Blood Count

Complete blood count (CBC) measures the number and quality of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. A CBC is done to check the general health of the patient.

Blood Chemistry Tests

• Blood chemistry tests that are used to diagnose testicular seminoma include the following:

• Liver function tests, or a liver panel, may be done to find out what is causing abdominal pain or discomfort. High levels of certain substances in the blood may mean that seminoma has spread to the liver.
• Kidney function tests are used to check how well the kidneys are working. They are often done before and after surgery to remove one or both testicles (called orchiectomy).

Doctors often order blood chemistry tests in preparation for testicular cancer treatments. These levels help create a starting point used to compare future levels. This is known as a baseline.

Find out more about blood chemistry tests.

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Tumour marker tests

Tumour markers are substances in the blood that may mean testicular cancer is present. Tumour marker tests are generally used to check your response to cancer treatment. They can also be used to diagnose testicular cancer.

These tumour markers may be measured for testicular cancer:

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are often higher when a type of testicular cancer called non-seminoma germ cell tumour is present. AFP is never high for seminomas, which is another type of testicular cancer.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels can be higher in men with a seminoma or non-seminoma. HCG can also be high if the man has liver disease.

Lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) levels may be higher in men with a seminoma or non-seminoma. High LDH levels can indicate that the tumour is large, there is a large amount of cancer in the body, or the cancer is growing quickly. High levels can also mean that a man has advanced testicular cancer. LDH may also be high with some non-cancerous conditions.