Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer for men ages 15 to 34, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Men at risk include those who have a family history of testicular cancer, a testicle that has not descended from the scrotum, a small or abnormally shaped testicle or a genetic condition that carries an extra X chromosome. Symptoms may include a lump on a testicle, pain or ache in the scrotum, the feeling of heaviness or swollen scrotum or larger or tender breasts.
Step 1
Check your testicles one at a time with one or both hands while holding the penis out of the way.
Step 2
Cup the scrotum to feel if there is any change in the way it normally feels.
Step 3
Use your index and middle fingers under one testicle with the thumb on top and gently roll the testicle between the thumb and fingers.
Step 4
Feel for lumps on the side of each testicle or any changes in size or shape of the testicles. Painless lumps are the most common symptom of testicular cancer. The lump may cause an uncomfortable feeling without severe pain.
Step 5
Examine for any swelling in the soft tissue behind the testicle that collects sperm. The testicle may be enlarged or swollen without signs of a lump. Lumps may be felt, however, because of blood vessel or tissue that can be confused with signs of cancer. Sometimes a simple and painless ultrasound test can determine if there is a tumor.
Step 6
See your doctor if you are concerned about having testicular cancer. If you do have the cancer, your doctor may recommend surgery to have the testicle removed. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy may be suggested. Low back pain may be a symptom that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the stomach or intestines. There may be symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain or cough if the cancer has spread to the lungs.
Tips and Warnings
- Lumps, swelling or pain may be an indication of testicular cancer, but they could be signs of other conditions, the American Cancer Society notes. Symptoms could also include infection or injury. Bacteria and viruses may cause infections that mimic testicular cancer. A physical injury may cause pain immediately or a worsening pain later on. Sudden pain in the scrotum may be an indication of a twisted testicle. The pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Surgery can be performed to correct the testicle. A doctor can make the proper diagnosis for treatment.
