Definition A testicular biopsy involves removing a piece of tissue from a man's testicle for analysis.
Who is a candidate for the test? A testicular biopsy is usually performed:
to check if a man's sperm is abnormal as part of infertility testing if a man and a woman are unable to conceive a baby
to determine if a lump found on one of the testicles is caused by testicular cancer
How is the test performed? This procedure is usually performed in the hospital. First, an area on the scrotum, the pouch that contains the testicles, is cleaned with an antiseptic. This area is then injected with a local anaesthetic. When the skin is numb, a small cut is made in the scrotum and a small piece of testicular tissue is removed. The cuts in the testicle and scrotum are then closed with stitches. The biopsy sample is taken to a laboratory and studied. If a biopsy is being performed to exclude a cancerous lump the operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia.
What is involved in preparation for the test? A man should receive specific instructions from his doctor.
What do the test results mean? In the case of a testicular lump, a testicular biopsy result will show if there are any cancer cells present. If the biopsy is being done as part of an infertility workup, sperm development is analysed. It sperm development appears normal, and the man has had a previous semen analysis that showed no sperm, the cause of infertility may be a blockage in the tube carrying the sperm. In both these cases, further surgery may be necessary.
Author: David T. Moran, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
