What are the stages of testicular cancer?

Tumors (T) are definitively staged based on findings at surgery to remove the testicle and or lymph nodes in the abdomen. Tools used to determine the stage of the testicular cancer include a microscopic examination of the removed testicle and lymph nodes, CT scan, and other studies as indicated. The various stages of testicular cancer are:

• T0 – No evidence of primary testicular tumors
• T1 – Tumor confined to the testicle
• T2 – Tumor invading outside the capsule of the testicle
• T3 – Tumor invading the tubes which transport sperm
• T4 – Tumor invading blood vessels which supply the testicles
• T4B – Invades the scrotum
• N0 – No tumor in any lymph nodes
• N1 – Less than 6 nodes positive for cancer, no nodes greater than 2 cm
• N2 – Greater than 6 positive nodes, any node greater than 2 cm
• N3 – Masses, disease and lymph nodes in the back
• N+ – Tumor has spread to multiple sites outside the lymph nodes