To get an accurate diagnosis, we must learn the stage and tumor type. Then you and your care team can choose a treatment that’s right for you.  

MSK doctors use the results of many tests to diagnose a germ cell tumor. They learn the stage of the disease and if it has spread.  

Our doctors use the TNM system to tell how advanced the tumor is. 

• T: The tumor’s size. 
• N: Whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the pelvis or abdomen (belly). 
• M: Whether the cancer metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body.
• S: Whether blood tests show your serum tumor markers ([STM)) are high. 

Testicular cancer stages

• Stage 1 is when the cancer is only in the testicle. There’s no sign it has spread. 
• Stage 2 is when the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum (REH-troh-PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-um). This is an area in the abdomen (belly). 
• Stage 3 is when the cancer spreads to the chest, lungs, liver, bones, or brain. 

Your care team may add a letter (A, B, C, or S) to these stages. This letter gives us even more information about the cancer.  

Learn why MSK is expert at diagnosing cancer.