Physical Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

When looking for physical symptoms of testicular cancer, you'll have to make comparisons to what was previously normal for you. It's advisable to do a monthly self check so you know what is typical and what would be considered a change. This is important to do because early detection will result in better treatment for testicular cancer, meaning you'll have a better chance of recovering before the cancer has a chance to metastasize.

Physical symptoms of testicular cancer can be difficult to discern at first. Look for the following:

Change in Size
If you notice swelling or a change in size of one or both testicles, you should see your doctor. Average testicles are somewhere around the size of a golf ball apiece, usually slightly smaller.

Change in Shape
If you notice a change in shape of one or both of your testicles, you should see your doctor. Usually testicles are egg shaped.

Change in Texture
Each testicle should feel like a hard-boiled egg with the shell removed. You will feel a knob or small lump somewhere near the upper or middle outer part of each testicle; this is the epididymis and is not a concern. If your testicles become hard, swollen, tender or seem to be different in texture, see a doctor.

Presence of Lumps
Most testicular cancer presents as painless lumps. If you feel a lump in one testicle that is different than the other, you should pay attention to that lump to see if it continues to grow. You may find one lump, or you may find a collection of nodules-small, round bumps-that will increase in size. See your doctor as soon as possible if you find this change.

Increased Breast Size
As testicular cancer advances, it sometimes causes your body to produce hormones that will increase breast tissue in men.

Heaviness in Scrotum
Many men find the first symptom they notice is a heaviness in the scrotum, as if suddenly the testicles weigh more.

Ache or Heaviness in Lower Abdomen
Likewise, some men experience a heaviness or dull ache in the lower abdomen.

Painful Testicles
If you experience unexplained pain that cannot be attributed to orgasm denial or injury, you should see your doctor. In most cases of testicular cancer, there is no pain at first, and the pain experienced is usually a dull ache. Severe pain is probably caused by something else such as a twisted testicle or some other sort of injury. Still, it's best to see the doctor if you experience prolonged pain in your testicles of any kind.