Testicular Cancer Symptoms

Testicular cancer symptoms can be found during a proper self-examination.

Testicular cancer usually develops in one or both testicles and generally happens in younger men. When diagnosed early it is a highly treatable and curable form of cancer.

The testicles (testes) are located inside the scrotum. (The loose bag of skin underneath the penis.) The testes produce males sex hormones and sperm cells for reproduction.

The testicles contain different types of cells that can develop into one or more types of cancer.

In the United States, it is the most common cancer for men between the ages of 15 and 40. Regular self-examinations can detect growths early when treatment is the most successful.

Testicular Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of testicular cancer include any enlargement of a testicle, pain or discomfort in a testicle or scrotum, feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or a significant loss of size in one of the testicles.

Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts and a dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin can also be signs of testicular cancer.

Testicular Cancer Self-Exam

A routine self-examination is recommended in order that you are able to tell when a change occurs. This change could be normal or it could be a warning sign for cancer.

The TCRC advises the following steps be done in front of a mirror:

1)Check for swelling on the scrotal skin.

2)Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gentle between the thumbs and fingers. (You should feel no pain when doing this.) It is normal for one to be slightly larger than the other.

3)If you can find a soft, tubelike structure behind the testicles, this is the epididymis, which collects and carries sperm. Do not mistake this for a suspicious lump. Cancerous lumps are usually found on the sides of the testicle and possibly on the front. Lumps on the epididymis are usually not cancerous.

4)If you discover a lump, see your physician immediately. It may be an infection, not cancer at all. Always get anything suspicious checked out. Early detection is the key!

There are 3 types of treatments available for testicular cancer. They are radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

Your doctor will be able to give you information about the pros and cons of each in order for you to make an informed decision.

more than testicular cancer symptoms on our Mens Health page


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