Cancer of the testicles, the primary male sex glands, accounts for only about 1 percent
of all cancers in men. It is, though, the most common type of cancer in males aged 20 to
35, but can occur in other age groups. It strikes about 5,000 males a year. Often, only
one testicle is affected. The cause of testicular cancer is not known. Risk
factors, though, have been given. These are:
Undescended testicles (that are not
corrected) in infants and young children. (Parents should see that their infant boys are
checked at birth for undescended testicles.)
A family history of testicular cancer
Having an identical twin with testicular
cancer
Injury to the scrotum
Signs and Symptoms
In the early stages, testicular cancer may have no symptoms. When there are
symptoms, they include:
Small, painless lump in a testicle
Enlarged testicle
Feeling of heaviness in the testicle or
scrotum
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the
scrotum
A dull ache in the lower abdomen or the
groin
A change in the way the testicle feels
Enlarged male breasts and nipples
Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Testicular cancer is almost always curable if it is found and treated early. Surgery is
done to remove the testicle. Other things can further treat the disease:
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Surgical removal of lymph nodes, if
necessary
Do you have severe testicular pain? |
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| Can any lumps, enlargement, swelling, or change in consistency be
felt in the scrotum? |
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| Is there any sense of heaviness or pain? |
|
| Is there an enlargement of the breasts and nipples or a sudden
feeling of puffiness in the scrotum? |
|
Perform Testicular Self-Exam (TSE) monthly or as recommended by your doctor.
The American Academy of Family Physicians Subcommittee for Male Patients recommends the teaching of testicular self-examination between the ages of 13 and 18. The testicles are located behind the penis and contained within the scrotum. They should be about the same size and feel smooth, rubbery, and egg-shaped. The left one sometimes hangs lower than the right.
Testicular
Self-Exam (TSE)
Self-examination of the testicles is best performed when the scrotum is
relaxed, after a warm bath or shower. This will also allow the testicles to drop down.
How to do TSE:
Examine each testicle gently with both
hands. The index and middle fingers should be placed underneath the testicle while the
thumbs are placed on the top. Gently roll the testicle between the thumbs and fingers. One
testicle may be larger than the other. This is normal.
Find the epididymis (the soft, tube-like
structure at the back of the testicle that stores and carries the sperm). Do not confuse
the epididymis with an abnormal lump.
Feel for any abnormal lumps (about the size
of a pea) on the front or the side of the testicle. These lumps are usually painless.
If you do find a lump, contact your doctor right away. The lump may be due to an infection, and a doctor can decide the proper treatment. If the lump is not an infection, it is likely to be cancer. Remember that testicular cancer is highly curable, especially when detected and treated promptly. Testicular cancer almost always occurs in only one testicle. After the testicle with cancer is removed the other testicle provides full sexual functioning.
Routine testicular self-exams are important, but they cannot substitute for a doctor's examination. Your doctor should examine your testicles when you have a physical exam. You can also ask your doctor to teach you the correct way to do TSE.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99