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Getting smart about testicular cancer
A number of noncancerous conditions, such as testicular injury, can produce symptoms similar to
those of testicular cancer. Inflammation of the testicle (orchitis), caused by viral or bacterial infections
can cause painful swelling. Although cancer of any kind is a frightening diagnosis, testicular cancer is
highly treatable and usually curable.
Asking a physician about any changes in your testicles, such as one appearing much larger or harder than
the other is the best way to fight this type of cancer and keep a man from worrying unnecessarily, since
the odds are definitely in his favor!
Risk factors for testicular cancer
Fortunately, testicular cancer is very rare but it typically develops in one or both testicles in young
men. Having had an undescended testicle as a child is a risk factor for developing testicular cancer as
an adult.
Symptoms
Most cases can be found at an early stage due to a lump on the testicle, which can be the first sign. Often
painless but slightly uncomfortable, this lump may cause testicular enlargement or swelling. Men with testicular
cancer often report a sensation of heaviness or aching in the lower abdomen or scrotum, but some men have no
symptoms at all, and their cancer is found during medical testing for other conditions. Sometimes, imaging
tests or testicular biopsies done to find the cause of infertility can uncover a small testicular cancer.
Whatever the symptoms, see a physician as soon as possible.
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