The precise pattern of check-ups after the removal of an early testicular teratoma will vary a little from hospital to hospital but national guidelines in the UK suggest the following schedule.

For the first year visits should be once a month. At each visit you should have a physical examination, blood tests (to look for the tumour markers HCG and AFP) and a chest x-ray. In addition CT scans (of the chest and abdomen) should be carried out regularly, although the frequency varies between centres. Between two and four scans will be carried out in the first year. A trial is underway to assess how frequently CT scans should be performed.

In the second year the visits should be every two months. Again each visit will involve an examination, blood tests and a chest x-ray, with a CT scan being done at the end of this second year.

After this the check-ups should be four-monthly during the third year and six-monthly during the fourth and fifth year, with an examination, blood tests and chest x-ray each time.

The check-ups can usually stop after five or six years, provided everything is normal. The important thing to remember is that if you have any concerns between appointments do get in touch with your specialist.