Although great progress has been made in the treatment of testicular cancer over recent years, little progress has been made in the detection of this disease. The time between the discovery of a scrotal swelling by the patient and the first consultation is still too long. The authors study the presenting symptoms of the disease and the clinical examination which have not changed since the description by Chevassu. Complementary investigations have become essential: particularly, ultrasonography and tumour markers. The place of magnetic resonance imaging has yet to be defined. The last step in the diagnostic work-up consists of exploratory orchidotomy.