Symptoms

Men with testicular cancer may experience a variety of symptoms. Sometimes, men with testicular cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. The first sign of testicular cancer is often a small lump or area of hardness on the testicle, which can be either painless or painful. Other symptoms may go unnoticed until the cancer is advanced and has spread to other parts of the body. Regular testicular self-examinations and examinations by doctors can help detect the cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be successfully treated. If you are concerned about a symptom, please talk with your doctor.

Symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

• Painless lump or swelling on either testicle. If detected early, a testicular tumor may be about the size of a pea or a marble, but it can grow much larger. The testicle may also become more firm than the other testicle. Any lump or enlargement should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
  
  
• Pain or discomfort (with or without swelling) in a testicle or scrotum. Pain can result from many different conditions, including infections, injury, twisting, and cancer. Infection of the testicle is referred to as orchitis. Infection of the epididymis is called epididymitis. The epididymis is a small organ attached to the testicle that is made up of coiled tubes that carry sperm away from the testicle. If infection is suspected, a patient may be given a prescription for antibiotics. If antibiotics do not solve the problem, tests for testicular cancer should be performed.
  
  
• Change in the way a testicle feels. Or, testicular cancer may cause to the testicle to grow bigger or to become smaller.
  
  
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum (For example, a testicle that feels very firm or hard may indicate a problem.)
  
  
• Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
  
  
• Sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum
  
  
• Breast tenderness or growth. Although rare, some testicular tumors produce hormones that cause breast tenderness or growth of breast tissue (a condition called gynecomastia).

Lower back pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, and bloody sputum (phlegm) can be symptoms of advanced testicular cancer, but many other diseases can also cause these symptoms.

Early detection: finding testicular cancer early

Most cases of testicular cancer can be detected at an early stage, and men often find the cancer themselves while performing self-examinations. Some doctors recommend that men ages 15 to 55 perform a monthly self-examination to identify any changes. However, some testicular cancers may not cause symptoms and may go undetected until they reach an advanced stage. Men who notice a lump, hardness, enlargement, pain, or any other change in one or both of their testicles should visit their doctor immediately.