Getting diagnosed withTesticular cancer

Referral to a specialist for testicular cancer

Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to testicular cancer. You usually see a doctor called a .

Depending on your symptoms and other factors, this might be an urgent referral. You will see a urologist or have tests as soon as possible. Ask your GP when this is likely to be.

Seeing your GP

It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have cancer and who might have a more minor condition. For some symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better or respond to treatment, such as antibiotics.

Your GP might arrange for you to have some tests first.

UK referral guidelines

There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral. These vary between the different UK nations. Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their own experience and judgment.

England and Wales

Your doctor should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have:

a testicle that gets bigger and isn’t painful or
a change in the shape or texture of the testicle

Your doctor may arrange for you to have an first if you have unexplained or continuing testicular symptoms.

Northern Ireland

You should have an urgent referral if you have a swelling or a lump in one of your testicles.

Scotland

You should have an urgent referral if you have any of the following:

a testicle that gets bigger and isn’t painful, or a change in the shape or texture of the testicle
a testicular lump seen on a scan and your doctor suspects this might be cancer
a condition which causes inflammation of the testicle which hasn’t improved after 2 weeks of antibiotics

Some people might have an ultrasound scan first with these symptoms.

Your GP should offer you an examination of your testicle if you have:

a swelling or pain in your testicle
pain in your or

You should be offered an ultrasound scan if you have a normal testicle examination, but you have either:

symptoms that aren’t getting better
symptoms that can’t be explained

Remember, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, and do not necessarily mean that you have testicular cancer. But it is important to get them checked out.

Other symptoms

Your GP will consider any other symptoms you have, so do mention these.

Risk factors

Your GP might also take into account whether you have any risk factors that affect your chances of developing testicular cancer.

Go to the risk and causes of testicular cancer

If you're still worried

Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.

Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.

What should you do if you don’t get an appointment?

If your GP has referred you to a specialist, ask them when you should get your appointment. Contact them again if you don’t get one. Or some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent suspected cancer referral.

Go to more information about an urgent referral, what to expect and questions to ask

Waiting times

Your hospital is working towards waiting time targets. For example, a target to find out whether you have cancer or not. And there are targets to start treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are slightly different depending on where you live in the UK.

Find out about cancer waiting times

Last reviewed: 08 May 2025

Next review due: 08 May 2028

How do I check for testicular cancer?

It helps to know what your testicles usually look and feel like. This can make it easier to spot anything that is unusual for you or doesn’t go away.

Seeing your GP when you have symptoms of testicular cancer

See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.

Tests to diagnose testicular cancer

You might have a number of tests to check for testicular cancer. This includes blood tests and scans such as an ultrasound scan.

Symptoms of testicular cancer

Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump or swelling in part of one testicle or a heavy scrotum. Find out about other possible symptoms and when you should see your GP.