Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is most common in young men and those in early middle age. While a cancer diagnosis is always serious, the good news is that testicular cancer is highly treatable and usually easily cured when diagnosed early.
Any lump, enlargement, or change in the way a testicle feels should be evaluated by a urologist immediately.
How to Perform a Self-Exam
The best time to do a self-exam is after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotal skin is relaxed.
- Examine each testicle by rolling it gently between your fingers and thumbs.
- Look for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses).
- Note any changes in size, shape, or consistency.
- It's normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other.
Symptoms to Watch For
- A painless lump or swelling in either testicle.
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
- Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.
Treatment & Recovery
Treatment plans are tailored to the type and stage of the cancer. Options often include:
- Surgery (Orchiectomy): The primary treatment, involving the removal of the affected testicle.
- Radiation or Chemotherapy: Used to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence.
Fertility & Sexual Health: Most men who have one healthy testicle removed can still function normally and father children. While radiation and chemotherapy may temporarily affect sperm production, long-term fertility is often preserved.