Symptoms
The testicles are a part of the male reproductive system, and a man can develop cancer in one or both of these organs. The testicles are also called the testes or the gonads, and are located inside the scrotum, the sac that hangs beneath the base of the penis. The testicles make male hormones (mostly testosterone) and sperm.
“The most common sign of testis cancer is just a lump in the testicle, or the whole testicle itself is enlarged and hard,” says Dr. Peter Black, a urologist active in the Men's Health Initiative of BC. “Pain in the testicle is actually uncommon with testis cancer; often if there's pain it's something else like an infection.”
Other common symptoms of testicular cancer include a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen or scrotum. If testicular cancer spreads, symptoms may include low back pain (meaning cancer is in the lymph nodes), or shortness of breath or cough (meaning cancer is in the lungs).
It can sometimes be difficult to know if you are feeling a small abnormal lump, or a normal part of the testicle such as the epididymis, which has several blood vessels and tubes that carry sperm and can feel bumpy to the touch. If you're unsure, ask your physician to examine your testicles for you.
There is no way to tell if you have testicular cancer based on symptoms alone. Symptoms can be due to an injury or condition such as an inguinal hernia or a hydrocele. “If there's a lump in the testicle, the man should go to the doctor and have it evaluated,” says Dr. Black.
Although testicular cancer is treatable, it’s important for men to be vigilant and to perform regular self-exams, taking note of any changes in one or both testicles. See your doctor about any lumps, swelling or pain in the testicles or groin area, especially if they last more than two weeks. Keep in mind that most cancerous lumps are NOT painful in the early stages. If you feel something out of the ordinary down there, go see a physician as soon as possible.
Learn how you can do a self-exam for testicular cancer.
Some things to look for are:
- Painless lump or swelling of the testicle
- change in size or shape of the testicles
- dull ache or feeling of heaviness in the abdomen or groin
- pain or discomfort
- unexplained fatigue / generally feeling unwell
- Often there are no symptoms
