Testicular Cancer Symptoms

Painless lump in the testicles is the one of the most common testicular cancer symptoms.

Testicular cancer is cancer of the male sex organ, the testicle.

In other words it is the disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the testicles (testes) begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner.

Testicle is a part of the male reproductive system which normally produces the hormone testosterone. So, before knowing the testicular cancer symptoms, let us find some information on the risk factors.

Testicular Cancer Risk Factors

This type is considered to be one of the most common cancers in young men. The cause of testicular cancer is unknown. The risk factors associated with the testicular cancer are limited.

Men whose testicles did not move down into the scrotum which is the holding sac for the testicles during development in the childhood are supposed to be at high risk so men with this condition referred to as undescended testicles are at high risk.

Unlike other type of cancers the testicular cancer is easily treated provided it is reported in its early stage. After cancer in the testicle is detected, surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy) is done and the cancer is confirmed by examination of the tissue under a microscope.

Many of the cases are only reported or brought to doctors notice until and unless it is in its advanced stage the reason behind this is denial and embarrassment about the testicles.

This disease is more common among young age men between 15-40 years of age. According to the statistics it is estimated that the chances of getting testicular cancer in overall man’s lifetime is roughly 1 in 250. This disease is more prominent in the American men.

Surprisingly the testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers. Almost 100% percent cure is possible with a prompt and proper treatment provided the disease be detected in its early stage. In advanced cases where the disease has spread the cure rate is about 50%.

Common Testicular Cancer Symptoms or Signs of Testicular Cancer

The most common testicular cancer symptom is a painless lump in the testicle. This is mostly detected by a self examination. This lump can be small or large, and it can be hard or soft.

A swelling or discomfort may be the next testicular cancer symptom which may be very similar to some other infection. It should also be noted that many men with testicular cancer will not feel ill and may report no testicular cancer symptoms.

Testicular cancer symptoms or signs of testicular cancer can be summarized as follows:

  • Enlargement of the testicles or change in the way a testicle feels
  • Pain or swelling in the testicles (Pain – A Rare Symptom of Testicular Cancer)
  • Discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
  • Lumps or nodules in or on the testicles, whether painful or not
  • Shrinking of a testicle
  • Pain in the lower abdomen, back, or groin areas
  • Swelling of the scrotum or collection of fluid within the scrotum
  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • A dull pressure or ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin;
  • Pain or Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.
  • Unexplained fatigue or a general feeling of not being well
  • Cancer usually affects only one testicle.

These above mentioned testicular cancer symptoms may also be due to other infections which are less serious problems than the cancer itself. But anyways any of these testicular cancer symptoms must and should be reported to the doctor for further confirmation of the disease and treatment.