What should you know about metastatic seminoma?

Seminoma is a type of germ cell tumour, usually arising in a testicle, although germ cell tumours can occur in other locations. Metastasis means tumour cells have travelled beyond the original site, commonly involving nearby lymph nodes or more distant areas. Staging considers the tumour's location, size, spread, blood markers, and overall health.

A lump, swelling, heaviness, or ache in a testicle needs examination, but these symptoms can have causes other than cancer. Imaging, blood tests, and tissue obtained during surgery help establish the diagnosis and stage.

Care is planned by a specialist team. [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) may provide diagnosis and treat the primary tumour. Depending on stage and risk features, [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/) may treat cells that have travelled elsewhere. Some people need close surveillance or additional treatment after the first intervention.

Keep appointments for examinations, blood markers, and imaging. Discuss fertility before treatment because surgery or chemotherapy can affect reproductive function. Ask about sperm storage, contraception, activity restrictions, and the symptoms that should trigger an earlier review.

Arrange prompt assessment for a new testicular lump, enlargement, persistent ache, or a sudden change in size. Seek emergency help for sudden severe testicular pain, vomiting, fainting, breathing difficulty, or rapidly worsening illness. Urgent symptoms require examination even if a previous scan was reassuring.

Where is the primary tumour and where has it spread? Which blood markers and scans determine my stage? What is the purpose and timing of surgery or chemotherapy? How might treatment affect fertility? What follow-up schedule and warning symptoms should I know?