Testicular Cancer Awareness: Knowing The Signs

by | Apr 17, 2018

Educate yourself on testicular cancer during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. So now is the time to learn or refresh your understanding of five signs that could indicate testicular cancer. Knowing the signs and symptoms, can equip you with the right tools to prevent and treat testicular cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 9,310 new cases of testicular cancer in 2018. And, as a result, approximately 400 deaths. Modern day medicine has made great strides in terms of the outlook of those diagnosed with testicular cancer, but if left untreated, it can lead to male infertility. Knowing the signs can greatly protect you from the dangers of testicular cancer:

  1. Painless mass of the testicle

Testicular cancer most commonly presents as a painless mass. You may note enlargement or hardening of a testicle. If one It is important to be evaluated by a physician if one of your testicles continue to enlarge or perhaps grow hard. At this time, your physician may order a scrotal ultrasound to evaluate for a solid mass.

  1. Breast Tenderness or Growth

This is a rare side effect, but testicular tumors can produce hormones that cause breast growth or tenderness. This is known as gynecomastia.

  1. Ache In The Lower Abdomen or Groin

Similar to the pain in the testicles, this is a deep, searing pain that can be felt despite activity or position. As a single symptom, this pain could be caused a multitude of things, but if you are experiencing multiple symptoms in combination with this, you should seek a professional opinion.

  1. Change In The Way A Testicle Feels or Heaviness In The Scrotum

Some changes you may find include testicle enlargement, where one testicle becomes heavier or more firm than the other. Similarly, testicle cancer can cause a sudden shrinkage in one or both of the testicles. In most men, one testicle is naturally slightly larger than the other. In testicular cancer, this difference is stark, with one testicle being extremely large when compared to the other.

  1. Sudden Buildup Of Fluid In The Scrotum

Hydrocele is the name of the fluid-filled sack that forms around the testicle. Although they generally don’t pose any threat to the testicles and commonly disappear without treatment, if hydroceles are accompanied with swelling or pain, you should seek professional treatment in order to have your system properly accessed.

If you are experiencing a combination of any of these symptoms, please contact one of our locations to schedule an appointment for a full evaluation. Many treatments exist to help completely eliminate testicular cancer, so the mortality rate is very low when compared to other cancers.