*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature P: Personality Disorders.

Tests And Next Steps

Main tests for testicular cancer

If the GP refers you to a specialist, you may need more tests and scans to check for testicular cancer.

Tests you may have include:

blood tests
an ultrasound scan of your testicles

Getting your results

It can take a few weeks to get the results of your tests.

Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not definitely mean anything is wrong.

You can call the hospital or GP if you are worried. They should be able to update you.

A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have testicular cancer

Being told you have testicular cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.

It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.

You can ask them any questions you have.

Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.

They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.

Call 0808 808 00 00.

Next steps

If you've been told you have testicular cancer, you'll usually need more tests.

These, along with the tests you've already had, will help the specialists find out the size of the cancer and if it has spread (called the stage).

You'll have surgery to remove the testicle (or rarely only part of the testicle) so it can be examined. This is also the main treatment for testicular cancer.

You may also have scans such as a CT scan or MRI scan.

The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you.

Find out more

Cancer Research UK: stages of testicular cancer

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature P: Personality Disorders. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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