The records of 154 patients with non-seminomatous germ cell testicular tumours were reviewed to determine the potential effect of prompt diagnosis and orchiectomy on morbidity and mortality from this disease. Orchiectomy was performed 30 days or less after the onset of testicular symptoms on 65 patients (Group 1) and more than 30 days after the onset of symptoms on 89 patients (Group 2). The initial clinical stages of Group 1 patients were: I, 40 (62%); II, 14 (22%); III, 5 (8%); marker only, 6 (9%). The initial clinical stages for Group 2 patients were: I, 25 (28%); II, 15 (17%); III, 35 (39%); marker only, 14 (16%). The difference between the percentages of Group 1 and Group 2 patients with stage I disease was statistically significant, as was the difference between the percentages of Group 1 and Group 2 patients with stage III disease. One of the Group 1 patients died, whereas 11 of the Group 2 patients died. In 5 of the Group 2 patients who died, orchiectomy had been performed more than 120 days after the onset of testicular symptoms. This study suggests that orchiectomy performed promptly after the onset of testicular symptoms not only helps to reduce mortality from testicular cancer but also has a major effect on its morbidity by reducing the need for systemic chemotherapy or major surgery.