Signs of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer occurs when the cells within the testes mutate. The Association of American Family Physicians explains that the normal life cycle of a cell is to grow, divide and then die. When cells grow and divide quickly, sometimes they lump together instead of dying off. This is when a tumor can form. In testicular cancer, this happens in one, or both, of the testicles. The chances of recovery are much greater when testicular cancer is discovered early, which is why it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms.

Lump or Swelling

The most noticeable and most common sign of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle. The lump can be small or large and will be a hard nodule. It may or may not be painful when touched. The University of California at San Francisco reports that with or without a lump, swollen testicles can also signal testicular cancer. The swelling can be in one or both testicles.

Pain

While not always a first symptom, pain in the scrotum or testicles can be a sign of testicular cancer. The pain can be localized to a testicle, but the Mayo Clinic states that pain can also be felt in the groin area or abdomen. This pain is not often a sharp stabbing pain but more of a constant ache.

Breast Pain

While this may seem like an odd symptom for a cancer found in men, breast pain often is a sign of testicular cancer. The Urology Channel's report on testicular cancer explains that certain tumors produce excess hormones. One hormone in particular, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), can influence growth of extra breast tissue and even breast tenderness. Some tumors produce estrogen, which also has an effect on the breasts, in both men and women.