Testicular cancer typically affects younger men and is highly treatable when caught early. Key symptoms include a painless lump, swelling, heaviness, or lower abdominal ache. Monthly self-exams, prompt medical evaluation, and a combination of surgery, surveillance, radiation, and chemotherapy form the backbone of detection and care.

Why testicular cancer matters

Testicular cancer arises in one or both testicles (testes). It most often affects younger men and people assigned male at birth, typically between about 15 and 35 years of age. When found early, most forms are highly treatable, which is why knowing the common symptoms and acting quickly matters.

Common symptoms to watch for

  • A painless lump or firm area in either testicle.
  • Swelling or increase in size of a testicle.
  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
  • A dull ache or sharp pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or testicle.
  • Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele) or tenderness.
These signs can have other causes (infection, injury, hernia), but any persistent change should prompt evaluation by a clinician. Many men have no symptoms early on, which is why awareness and self-checks are useful.

Self-exam and when to see a doctor

Perform a monthly testicular self-exam after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is relaxed. Roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers to feel for lumps or changes in size or texture. Routine self-exam can help men notice changes sooner, but it is not a substitute for professional care.

See a healthcare provider promptly if you find a lump, persistent swelling, unexplained pain, or any other concern.

How testicular cancer spreads (stages)

Broadly, staging describes how far the cancer has spread:
  • Localized: confined to the testicle.
  • Regional: spread to nearby lymph nodes (often in the abdomen).
  • Distant: spread to other organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain.
Early-stage disease confined to the testicle has the best outcomes. Even some later-stage cancers are curable with modern treatments.

Diagnosis and treatment options

A doctor will examine the testicles and usually order scrotal ultrasound and blood tumor markers (like AFP, hCG, LDH) to evaluate a suspicious finding. The standard initial treatment for a suspicious testicular mass is surgical removal of the affected testicle (radical inguinal orchiectomy).

Further management depends on tumor type (seminoma versus non-seminoma), stage, and markers. Options include active surveillance, radiation (mainly for seminoma), chemotherapy (commonly combination regimens), and surgical removal of affected lymph nodes (retroperitoneal lymph node dissection). High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support may be used for relapsed or refractory disease.

Outlook and follow-up

Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable solid-organ cancers, especially when detected early. Careful follow-up after treatment monitors for recurrence and manages long-term effects such as fertility and hormonal changes. Discuss sperm banking before treatment if future fertility is a concern.

If you notice changes in your testicles or have risk factors (for example, a history of undescended testicle), contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

FAQs about Testicular Cancer Symptoms

Who is most at risk for testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer most commonly affects younger men (roughly teens to mid-30s). Risk factors include a history of an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism), prior testicular cancer, family history, and certain fertility or testicular conditions.
How do I perform a testicular self-exam?
After a warm shower, stand in front of a mirror and gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers, feeling for lumps, changes in size, or hard areas. Do this monthly and report persistent changes to a healthcare provider.
Is a lump always cancer?
No. Lumps can be caused by infections, fluid collections (hydrocele), hernias, or benign cysts. Any new or persistent lump should be evaluated to rule out cancer.
What are common treatments for testicular cancer?
Initial management typically involves surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy). Depending on tumor type and stage, options include active surveillance, radiation (mainly for seminoma), chemotherapy, and lymph node surgery. Advanced cases may require more intensive therapies.
Will treatment affect fertility?
Treatments can affect fertility. Sperm banking before surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation is commonly discussed with patients who wish to preserve fertility.

News about Testicular Cancer Symptoms

Farmer Andy Venables shared his testicular cancer survival story on BBC Breakfast as part of a new campaign training vets to spot health conditions in farmers - facebook.com [Visit Site | Read More]

Testicular Cancer: How Early Detection Saves Lives - Stony Brook Medicine [Visit Site | Read More]

Testicular Cancer: Symptoms Men Should Know - Yale Medicine [Visit Site | Read More]

'I just ignored it': Glasgow man who dismissed cancer symptoms urges men to seek help - Glasgow Times [Visit Site | Read More]

Shocking little-known symptoms that could mean you have testicular cancer and few men check - The Mirror [Visit Site | Read More]

Men’s Health: prostate and testicular cancer awareness - Inside Time [Visit Site | Read More]

Neuro Symptoms Often Precede Testicular Cancer Diagnosis - Medscape [Visit Site | Read More]

As Chris Stark announces he has testicular cancer, what are the symptoms? - The Independent [Visit Site | Read More]