Testicular
Self-Examination
Background to Testes Self-Examination
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men
ages 20 to 35. Yet, because it accounts for only about 1
percent of all cancers in men, many people have never heard
of this type of cancer.
Testicular cancer is of special concern to young men. It
can occur anytime after age 15. It is less common in middle-aged
and older men. White men are four times more likely to develop
testicular cancer than black men.
Two groups of men have a greater risk of developing testicular
cancer: those whose testicles have not descended into the
scrotum and those whose testicles descended after age 16.
Testicular cancer is 3 to 17 times more likely to develop
in these men.
Symptoms of Testes Cancer
Fifteen years ago, testicular cancer was often fatal because
it spread quickly to vital organs such as the lungs. Today,
due to advances in treatment, testicular cancer is one of
the most curable cancers, especially if detected and treated
promptly.
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a small,
painless lump in a testicle or a slightly enlarged testicle.
In extreme cases, the tumour may expand to replace the entire
testis. It is important for men to become familiar with
the size and feeling of their normal testicles, so that
they can detect changes if they occur.
Other possible symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in
the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower stomach or groin,
a change in the way a testicle feels, or a sudden accumulation
of blood or fluid in the scrotum. These symptoms can also
be caused by infections or other conditions that are not
cancer. A doctor can tell you if you have cancer and what
the proper treatment should be.
How to do a Testicular Self-Examination
(TSE)
A simple procedure called testicular self-exam (TSE) can
increase the chances of finding a tumour early.
Men should perform TSE once a month, after a warm bath or
shower. The heat causes the scrotal skin to relax, making
it easier to find anything unusual. TSE is simple and only
takes a few minutes:
Examine each testicle gently with both hands. The index
and middle fingers should be placed underneath the testicle
while the thumbs are placed on the top . Roll the testicle
gently between the thumbs and fingers. The organ has a pliant,
soft rubbery consistency and there should not be too much
tenderness. One testicle may be larger than the other. This
is normal.
The epididymis is a cord-like structure on the top and back
of the testicle that stores and transports the sperm. The
epididymis should be checked by gently feeling the elongated
structure along the top and back of the testicle. It should
normally be smooth. Do not confuse the epididymis with an
abnormal lump.
Feel for any abnormal lumps, about the size of a pea on
the front or the side of the testicle. These lumps are usually
painless.
If you do find a lump, you should contact your doctor right
away. The lump may be due to an infection, and a doctor
can decide the proper treatment. If the lump is not an infection,
it may be a testes cancer. Remember that testicular cancer
is highly curable, especially when detected and treated
early. Testicular cancer almost always occurs in only one
testicle, and the other testicle is all that is needed for
full sexual function.
Routine testicular self-exams are important, but they cannot
substitute for a doctor's examination.
