The Broncos will be without linebacker Alex Singleton for a few weeks after he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous mass located on his testicle on Nov. 7. Singleton announced news of his diagnosis — and subsequent treatment — on X on Nov. 10.
Singleton, one of Denver's defensive captains, ranks fifth in the league in tackles, amassing 89 in 10 games thus far this season. The 31-year-old is one of the sport's fiercest operators in the center of the pitch and has the fifth-most tackles in the league since 2020, bested only by Bobby Wagner, Foyesade Oluokun, Roquan Smith and Jordyn Brooks.
With that, here's the latest on Singleton's diagnosis and road to recovery following his battle with testicular cancer.
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Alex Singleton cancer diagnosis
Singleton was diagnosed with testicular cancer after his drug testing sample showed elevated levels of hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that produces progesterone. Knowing he didn't take any supplements to facilitate the increase, Singleton contacted a urologist, who examined the Broncos LB. The urologist determined he showed signs of having a testicular tumor.
An ultrasound confirmed that the mass on Singleton's testicle was cancerous. The saga lasted a little more than two weeks, with Singleton having surgery to remove the tumor on Friday, Nov. 7 — one day after he made nine tackles in Denver's 10-7 win over the Raiders.
Singleton shared a statement on social media on Monday, Nov. 10 detailing his experience with the disease.
“I shared with my teammates and coaches this morning that I underwent successful surgery on Friday for testicular cancer after being diagnosed last week.
Thankfully, we believe the cancer was caught early with a great prognosis for me and my family. While we are still awaiting some additional tests, I fully expect to return to the field in the coming weeks.
A little over two weeks ago, following a random test as part of the NFL’s Drug Testing Program, I received a notice that I had elevated levels of the hormone hCG in my system.
Without a doubt, I knew with how diligent I am with what goes into my body that this was not from anything external I may have taken. After speaking with my agent and wife, we decided to book an appointment with a urologist.
On Monday, I visited Dr. Andrew Zilavy who determined that, in fact, I had signs of a testicular tumor. I immediately contacted the Broncos and they put me in contact with Dr. Geoff Ledgerwood, who was able to conduct an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
And then Friday, after playing in the Raiders’ game the previous night, I underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and begin the road to a full recovery.
I wrestled with sharing such personal information publicly. But the fact is, if it helps one person decide to pay closer attention to their body, then it is well worth it.
Early detection and regular screenings save lives and can save loved ones from a lot of grief. Heck, I have a wife, Sam, and daughter Tallyn, along with an amazing family back in California.
Not to mention, I’m a part of a great organization here with my Broncos family.
There are so many people I’d like to thank for their support and immediate action to help over these few weeks.
I’m sure I’ll miss someone but I want to thank: Dr. Zilavy and Dr. Ledgerwood.
Greg and Carrie Penner along with the entire Broncos organization. This includes VP of player health & performance Beau Lowery, Vince Garcia, Rich Hurtado and George Paton. Literally, within minutes of getting a call from my agent, this group arranged for me to get an ultrasound and other tests done to confirm the initial diagnosis.
Sean Payton and VJ (defensive coordinator Vance Joseph), who have been absolutely great and incredibly supportive.
My agent, Paul Sheehy, who has supported me and helped me navigate this situation.
And of course my wife Sam, who was with me every step of the way. She is truly the strongest person I know.
More than anything I really want to just thank everyone for their support and emphasize the importance of early detection and regular screenings.
Can’t wait to get back on the field.
GO BRONCOS!"
Singleton plans on missing a few weeks to recover from his operation. He is expected to return to the field before the end of the regular season.
What kind of cancer did Alex Singleton have?
Singleton had testicular cancer, he announced on Nov. 10. He underwent surgery to have the cancerous mass on his testicle removed on Nov. 7 — one day after playing in Denver's win vs. Las Vegas.
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What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer occurs when unusual cells grow out of control in the tissue in one or both of a person's testicles, or testes. The cancer is generally rare, but occurs most often in males aged 15 to 34.
Testicular cancer symptoms
Mayo Clinic describes some of the most common symptoms and signs of this cancer as follows:
- A lump of swelling in either testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower belly or groin
- Sudden swelling in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue
- Back pain
Testicular cancer typically occurs in only one testicle.
Testicular cancer removal
There are various treatments for testicular cancer, some of which are surgical.
An orchiectomy is an operation that sees surgeons remove the testicle and spermatic cord, according to the American Cancer Society. Orchiectomy can involve the whole testicle or just the tumor. The latter, known as partial orchiectomy or testis-sparing surgery, usually occurs when the tumor is small and benign. A retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is a complex procedure that removes lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen.
Radiation and chemotherapy can also be used to kill cancer cells in the testicle or lymph node and help aid in recovery after surgery, per John Hopkins Medicine.
Testicular cancer survival rate
Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable forms. WebMD states that 95 percent of men diagnosed with testicular cancer live at least five years after their diagnosis.