What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is when abnormal cells in a testicle start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system. 

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How common is it?

In the UK around 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. 

 

Who gets it?

Younger men are more likely to get testicular cancer. Men in their early 30s are the most likely to get it. It then becomes less common as men get older.

Trans women can also develop testicular cancer if they haven't had an operation to remove their testicles (orchidectomy).

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Testicular Cancer symptoms

• A lump or swelling in part of one testicle

• A testicle that gets bigger

• A heavy scrotum

• Discomfort or pain in your testicle or scrotum 

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The scrotum is the sack of skin that surrounds your testicles. These symptoms can be similar to other conditions that affect the testicles, such as infections. But see a doctor if you have:

• Any of these symptoms

• Symptoms that are unusual for you

• Symptoms that don’t go away or don’t improve

 

Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer but it is important to get them checked by a doctor. Try not to be embarrassed. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease.

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A lump or swelling in the Testicle

A lump or swelling in part of one testicle is the most common symptom of a testicular cancer. It can be as small as a pea, but may be much larger.

Most testicular lumps are not cancer. But do contact your doctor so you can be checked.

 

A heavy Scrotum

Your scrotum may feel heavy. Or you might notice that your scrotum feels firmer or harder.

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Discomfort or pain in a Testicle or the Scrotum

Testicular cancer is not usually painful. But the first symptom for some men is a sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum.

Many testicular cancers make hormones that can show up in blood tests. Occasionally, men with testicular cancer have tender or swollen breasts because of these hormones.

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Finding Testicular Cancer early

Lots of people talk about checking themselves to try and spot cancer early.  It’s good to be aware of what your body is normally like, so it’s easier to notice if anything changes.

Checking yourself for symptoms of cancer is different to cancer screening. Screening means testing people for early stages of a disease before they have any symptoms. There is no national screening programme for testicular cancer in the UK.

 

How do I check for Testicular Cancer?

You know your body best. If you notice anything that’s unusual for you, or won’t go away, make an appointment to speak to your doctor. Cancers are easier to treat when they are found early.

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It's useful to know how your body normally looks and feels, and this includes your testicles. This makes it easier for you to notice any changes.

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It’s a good idea to look at and feel your testicles every now and then. But there’s no need to worry about doing it regularly in a set way at a set time. There’s no good evidence to suggest that regularly self-checking any part of your body in a set way is helpful. It can actually do more harm than good, by picking up things which wouldn’t have gone on to cause you problems.

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Check your testicles for:

• The size and weight

• Any lumps or swellings

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Ultrasound scan for Testicular Cancer

Ultrasound scans use high frequency sound waves to create a picture of a part of the body. They can show up changes, including abnormal growths.

The ultrasound scanner has a microphone that gives off sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the organs inside your body and a microphone picks them up. The microphone links to a computer that turns the sound waves into a picture.

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To test for testicular cancer, you may be sent for an ultrasound scan of both testicles and your scrotum in the hospital radiology department.