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Testicular Cancer

Cancer is when cells in part of the body grow out of control. They crowd out normal, healthy cells, so the body can't work as it should.

Cancer that affects a testicle is called testicular cancer. Most cases are in young and middle-aged men.

Testicular cancer responds well to treatment, especially when it's found early.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Symptoms to Watch For

  • a lump or swelling in your testicle
  • your testicle getting bigger
  • an ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles)
  • your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard
  • an ache or pain in your back or lower tummy
  • losing weight without trying
  • a cough
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • a sore or swollen chest

Diagnosis and Test

What to do if you have symptoms:

  • See your GP.  

If cancer is suspected:

  • You’ll be referred to hospital to see a specialist doctor urologist or urology nurse

What happens at the hospital or clinic:

  • The urologist or specialist nurse will ask you about your symptoms and your general health. 
  • They will arrange an ultrasound scan of the scrotum and testicles and arrange some blood tests.

Testicular self examination

Why is self-examination important?

Leukaemia cells can sometimes hide in the testicles either during or after chemotherapy treatment. This is because there is a barrier between the blood and the testicles (known as the blood-testes barrier) which limits how much chemotherapy reaches the testicles. A testicular self-exam (TSE) is an easy way for boys and men to check their own testicles to make sure there aren’t any unusual lumps or bumps. We ask all our male patients to check their testicles regularly during and after treatment and report any lumps to us as soon as possible, regardless of size.

 

Step 1

Try to do a TSE every week so you become familiar with the size and shape of your testicles. This makes it easier to spot if something feels different or abnormal down there.

Step 2

The best time to do a TSE is during or after a warm shower or bath. This is because the skin that covers the testicles (the scrotum) is most relaxed and it will be easier to feel for lumps. Examine one testicle at a time.

Step 3

Start by holding the top of the scrotum gently. Place your index and middle fingers under the testicle and your thumb on top. Pinch gently so that the testicle stays put and doesn’t move during the exam. Between your fingers, you should feel the spermatic cord. This connects the testicle to the rest of your body

Step 4

With your free hand, gently roll your thumb and fingers along both sides of the testicle, from top to bottom. Feel for any lumps or bumps. Then, glide your fingers over the front and back of the testicle. On the back of your testicle, near the top, you should feel the epididymis, a tube that carries sperm. This is a normal lump and may feel tender to the touch.

Step 5

Please tell us if you notice any: • swelling • painless or painful lumps of any size • changes in the size or color of a testicle • pain or achy areas in your groin. Lumps may be as small as a grain of rice or a pea

Additional information

If you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer and have any questions or concerns about your illness don’t hesitate to speak to your Clinical Nurse Specialist.

You can also find further information, advice and helpful tips on the following links