What is testicular cancer? Cancer of the testes is one of the most common cancers in men 15-34 years of age. Like other cancers, if testicular cancer is discovered in the early stages it can be treated promptly and effectively.

What are the Risk Factors? Testicular cancer tends to happen more often among men who have undescended testes. In the normal development of the male fetus, the testes are formed in the abdominal cavity and shortly after birth they descend into the scrotum. If the testes never make this descent after the age of six, the chances of developing testicular cancer in later years is increased.

What are the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer?

• A small hard lump about the size of a pea usually
• Painless lump heavy feeling in the testicle
• Enlargement of the testicle
• Change in the consistency of the testicle
• Dull ache in the testicle

Diagnosis and Self Exam

The best means for early detection of testicular cancer is self-examination of the testicles. Testicular self exam is a three minute monthly procedure that is completed after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is most relaxed.

• Examine the scrotum visually for swelling
• Examine each testicle separately by rolling the testicle between your thumb and the first two fingers of both hands. It is normal for one testicle to be larger than the other.
• Check for lumps, swelling, or a change in size or consistency of the testicle.
• Feel the epididymis, a cord-like structure, on the top and back of each testicle. Don't interpret this as an abnormality.
• Make an appointment with a health care provider if any lumps or other abnormalities are found. Also, have your health care provider evaluate aching in the lower abdomen or groin, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, which may be a warning sign of cancer.

Exam visually for swelling.

Examine each testicle by rolling; checking for lumps,swelling,tenderness.

Make an appointment with a Health Provider if any abnormalities are found.

What is the Treatment for Testicular Cancer? Treatment almost always includes the surgical removal of the affected testicle. Less likely is the use of radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Depending on the specific type of testicular cancer, it has a survival rate from 87% to nearly 100% in cases that are detected early. Removal of a testicle does not render a man sterile or impotent. Having one testicle is perfectly ample for full sexual function. In the unlikely event that both testicles were removed, a man could not produce sperm anymore, but his sexual potency could be maintained by hormone injections.