Testicular cancer is a rare type of cancer, affecting only 1 in 5,000 men. This cancer can occur in men of any age, but 50% of cases are found in men between the ages of 20 and 35 years. The good news is that testicular cancer also has a very high recovery rate, with a cure rate of 95–99%. As with almost all types of cancer, early detection is important for successful treatment and cure. Some of the important parts of early detection are understanding risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and performing routine testicular exams.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Doing Your Own Check
Step 1. Know the symptoms
To do a proper screening, know what you're looking for if cancer is present. This self-examination is designed to check for the following symptoms:
- A lump in the testicle. There is no need to wait for a large or painful lump to visit a doctor, because tumors can start as small as a pea or rice grain.
- Testicular enlargement. Enlargement can occur in one or both testicles. Be aware that it is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang slightly lower than the other. However, if one testicle is larger than the other or has an abnormal size or hardness, consult a doctor.
- Change in density or texture. Is one of your testicles too hard or lumpy? A healthy testicle feels smooth all over. Note that the testes are connected to the vas deferens via a small, soft tube at the top called the epididymis. If you feel it during the self-examination, don't worry. That's normal.
Step 2. Take a mirror and find a quiet place
Go to a room or space where no one else will disturb you and make sure you bring a sized mirror with you (no need to hold it, if you have one). A bathroom mirror or a full-length mirror will do. The ability to visually observe scrotal abnormalities is an important aspect of the examination, and for this you will need to remove any pants that cover the lower half of the body, including underwear.
Step 3. Observe the condition of your skin
Stand in front of a mirror and examine the skin of the scrotum. Can you see the lump? Is there swelling? Is there a discoloration or anything that seems unusual? Make sure you examine all sides of the scrotum, including the back.
Step 4. Feel the abnormality
Keep standing, and holding the scrotum in both hands, with fingertips touching, make a basket shape. Hold the right testicle between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand. Press lightly to check for density and texture, then roll gently between your thumb and forefinger. Do the same with the left testicle using your left hand.
Do not rush. Make sure you check the entire surface of each testicle thoroughly
Step 5. Schedule a physical exam every year
In addition to having a self-examination once a month, schedule a physical exam with your doctor at least once a year. Your doctor will perform a testicular exam in addition to other tests and tests to determine your overall health. But if you experience symptoms, don't wait until the scheduled date. Call your doctor right away to make an appointment.
Part 2 of 3: Understanding Risk Factors
Step 1. Know your risks
Early prevention is important for successful cancer treatment. Understanding your risk profile will make you responsive to the symptoms that arise. Here's a list of some common risk factors to look out for:
- Family history of testicular cancer.
- The testes do not descend into the scrotum (also known as cryptorchidism). 3 out of 4 cases of testicular cancer occur in men whose testicles do not descend to their proper position.
- Intratubular germ cell neoplasia (IGCN). Often called carcinoma in situ (CIS), IGCN occurs when cancer cells appear in germ cells in the seminiferous tubules where they form. IGCN and CIS are early testicular tumors that develop into cancer, and in 90% of cases are present in the tissue surrounding the tumor.
- ethnicity. Studies in the United States show that Caucasian men are more likely to develop testicular cancer than other ethnic groups.
- Previous diagnosis. If you have had and have recovered from a testicular cancer diagnosis, the other testicle is at greater risk.
Step 2. Understand that the risk is not absolute
Studies show that paying attention to environmental factors such as diet and exercise, as well as not smoking and drinking alcohol, can help prevent carcinogenesis, the process that turns healthy cells into cancer cells.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about preventive therapy
Clinical trials are currently being developed to expand the range of preventive therapies, but proactive treatments such as chemotherapy have been shown to prevent cancer growth and/or return. Your doctor will know if this option is right for you.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Action If You Have Symptoms
Step 1. Call the doctor
If during a testicular exam you find a lump, swelling, pain, unusual hardness, or other warning signs, call your doctor right away. While these symptoms may not be a sign of testicular cancer, they should be confirmed through a thorough examination.
List your symptoms when making your doctor's appointment. That will increase the chances that the doctor will see you as soon as possible
Step 2. Record all additional symptoms
If you notice any other symptoms affecting the testicles or other parts of the body, write them down on the list. Record everything, including any symptoms that do not appear consistent with testicular cancer symptoms. The extra information can help doctors make a diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Some of these symptoms include:
- Heaviness, or a painful sensation in the lower abdomen or scrotum
- Pain in the lower back, unrelated to stiffness or injury.
- Swelling in the breast (rare).
- infertility. In rare cases, a man may not experience any symptoms other than infertility.
Step 3. Maintain composure and remain optimistic
After making your doctor's appointment, relax. Remind yourself that 95% of cases are completely curable, and early detection increases that figure to 99%. Also, be aware that your symptoms may be indicative of other, less serious conditions, including:
- Cysts in the epididymis (tube above the testes) called spermatocele
- Enlarged blood vessels in the testicles are called varicoceles.
- A buildup of fluid within the testicular membrane called a hydrocele.
- A sore or opening in the abdominal muscles called a hernia.
Step 4. Keep your doctor's appointment
Your doctor will do the same type of testicular exam you did to check for any problems you have. You will be asked about other symptoms. The doctor may examine other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or groin, to check for spread of cancer. If the doctor feels anything unusual, additional tests will be done to confirm the diagnosis for a tumor.
Tips
- Examination of the testicles is usually easiest to do after a warm bath, when the scrotum is relaxed.
- Don't panic if you notice any of the symptoms described above. What you see may be nothing, but take the time to see a doctor for further examination.
