Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 7 of 2024 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 8 of 2024 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding:
- ICD-10-AM Codes: C62, C63.0
Brief description
Testicular cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that originates in the testicles, the male reproductive glands located in the scrotum. It most commonly affects males between the ages 14 to 44 years. The main types of testicular cancer are seminomas and non-seminomas, which develop from germ cells that produce sperm.
This SOP does not cover any tumors that involve the vas deferens (spermatic cord).
Confirming the diagnosis
Diagnosis requires histopathology from a biopsy or excised lesion.
The relevant medical specialist is a urologist or oncologist.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- Germ cell tumour in situ
- Germ cell tumour
- Malignant neoplasm of the epididymis
- Malignant neoplasm of the rete testis
- Seminoma and non-seminoma
- Sex cord stromal carcinomas
Conditions excluded from SOP
- Leukaemic infiltrates *
- Malignant neoplasm of the bladder *
- Malignant neoplasm of the penis* - non-melanotic malignant neoplasm of the skin SOP (usually due to BCC or SCC)
- Malignant neoplasm of the scrotum* - non-melanotic malignant neoplasm of the skin SOP (usually due to BCC or SCC)
- Malignant neoplasm of the seminal vesicles#
- Malignant neoplasm of the urethra *
- Secondary neoplasms (metastases) to the testes or paratesticular tissues
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma *
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma *
- Soft tissue sarcoma *
- Vas deferens tumours #
* another SOP applies
# Non-SOP condition
Clinical onset
Testicular cancer can often involve the presentation of a painless lump or enlargement in one testicle. Other symptoms may include a dull ache or heavy sensation in the lower abdomen, groin or scrotum. There may also be manifestations of metastatic disease.
Clinical worsening
The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. The condition is one of the most curable of solid organ cancers, with a five year survival rate of over 95%. Even in advanced cases, the survival rate is generally over 70%. In those with early-stage of the disease, the survival rate approaches 99%. As with all malignancies, prompt diagnosis and treatment provide the best opportunity for cure.