4 Common Signs of Testicular Cancer
About 1 of every 250 males will develop testicular cancer at some point during their lifetime
Although testicular cancer is not the most common form of cancer found in men, it is still important to know the signs of it and monitor your symptoms. This can be tricky, as many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than testicular cancer, like viral or bacterial infections, and testicle injury or inflammation. It can happen at any age, but it happens most often between the ages of 15 and 45. Thankfully, it is highly treatable, even when it spreads.
#1: Signs in the testicles: lumps or swelling
It’s completely normal for one testicle to be bigger than the other, however, if you notice swelling on either side of the testicle, or if you feel a hard lump in a testicle, that is something to note. Just as women are encouraged to examine their breasts for lumps, you should regularly check your testicles for lumps. It’s important to intentionally check, as not all lumps cause pain. If found early, testicular tumors may be about the size of a pea or a marble, however, they can grow to be much larger.
#2: Signs in the scrotum: heaviness and swelling
The scrotum is the sac (pouch) that contains the testes, epididymis, and the lower part of the spermatic cord (blood vessels and vas deferens). If there’s any swelling or lumps in your testicles, then you’ll feel heaviness in the entire scrotum. Heaviness or discomfort may also be caused by a sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum.
#3: Breast tenderness: enlargement or tenderness
This symptom is rare but still occurs. Some testicular tumors make hormones that cause breast tenderness or growth of breast tissue, a condition called gynecomastia. This happens because certain tumors secrete high levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which stimulates breast development. Leydig cell tumor, which is a type of tumor that starts in the supportive and hormone-producing tissues, or stroma, of the testicles, can sometimes create estrogen, which can cause breast growth or loss of sexual desire.
#4: A sign of more advanced testicular cancer: pain
A dull ache in the lower stomach, groin, or back pain can be a sign of more advanced testicular cancer. If you’re experiencing this along with other symptoms, contact one of our doctors immediately. This is usually a sign of cancer spreading to lymph nodes. If you feel it in your belly, it could have spread to the lymph nodes in the back of your stomach or liver.
Reach out to one of our trusted experts before any advanced symptoms show up. We will assess your symptoms and create an action plan with you.