5 Things You Need to Know About Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

1. Testicular Cancer Often Has No Symptoms

Like many kinds of cancer, testicular cancer can emerge silently with little or no symptoms. There is often no pain, no visible changes and no systemic symptoms. Testicular cancer does not usually interfere with urination, erection or ejaculation. Pain can occur when the cancer grows rapidly.

2. Testicular Self-Exams

Most lumps occurring within the testis themselves are malignant. Since there are no early symptoms, the way testicular cancer is often realized is by finding a palpable lump. You can help screen for testicular cancer by doing regular self-exams. Like breast self-exams, testicular exams can be done once a month in the shower with soapy water. All testicular lumps should be examined by a physician.

3. General Symptoms of Cancer

General warning symptoms of cancer include weight loss, fevers or sweating in bed at night and enlarged lymph nodes. Testicular cancer may be associated with enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the groin.

4. Regular Check-Ups and Cancer Screening

You can help screen for testicular cancer by getting regular check-ups that include a physical exam and blood work. You can check yourself or your partner regularly to be better able to note if there is some change.

5. Undescended Testes Carry a Great Risk for Testicular Cancer

In the developing male fetus, testicles mature in the low abdomen and then descend into the scrotum in the first years of life. Testicles that fail to descend are at a greater risk for becoming cancerous, even if they have been corrected surgically.