What is the common method used for evaluating the extent of testicular cancer?

The most common method used for evaluating the extent of testicular cancer is through the TNM staging system. This system provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the cancer's progression by categorizing the characteristics of the tumors.

TNM stands for Tumor, Node, and Metastasis, which helps healthcare professionals determine the size of the tumor (T), whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (N), and whether there are distant metastases (M). This staging is crucial for treatment planning, prognosis, and understanding the likelihood of treatment response.

While imaging modalities like ultrasound or CT scans play important roles in initial diagnosis and assessing tumor characteristics or metastasis, they do not provide a formalized system for staging the cancer. The TNM staging framework specifically focuses on detailing the cancer's anatomy and spread, making it indispensable for evaluating the extent of testicular cancer effectively.