Testicular Cancer, Performing a Testicular Self Examination

The scrotum holds the male reproductive glands and testicular cancer starts in the testicles.

In many instances there maybe no symptoms with testicular cancer, however some symptoms that can occur usually include:

Testicle enlargement or loss in size of the testicles.

A dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen.

Sudden blood or fluid accumulation in the scrotum.

A change in the way the testicles or scrotum feels, some people report a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a lump or swelling in the testicles which can be either in one or both.

Discomfort in the testicles or scrotum, the pain can be intermittent in nature or just a mild overall ache

Development of breast tissue, however this can also occur normally in adolescent males but is not a sign of testicular cancer. Gynecomastia is excessive development of breast tissue.

I've been a nurse for over 28 years and all men should perform testicular self examinations monthly, because in the majority of cases the man will be the first to detect an abnormality in his testicles or scrotum.

The examination should always be done after taking a warm shower or bath, because the warmth relaxes the scrotal area making it easier to detect abnormalities. There are four steps to a complete TSE, testicular self examination:

1. Inspect the scrotal sac, stand in front of the mirror and look for swelling on the skin, although it is normal for one testicle to hang lower than the other look for any abnormalities that you haven't seen before.

2. Palpation of the testicles is next. Examine each testicle with both hands, roll the testicles around and look for any lumps or painful areas. The index and middle fingers are placed under the testicle and the thumb is placed on top roll the testicle slowly around and look for any lumps or swellings on the sides of the testicles.

3. Palpation of the epididymis is next, the man should feel of the cordlike structure found on the top and back of the testicles. Look for any abnormalities such as lumps, however lumps on the epididymis are commonly benign but should be looked at by a physician.

4. Examination by a physician should always be performed if anything suspicious is found, especially a lump, swelling, painful area, etc. A urologist is the kind of specialist that you should see if you notice any abnormalities while performing your TSE.

Early detection of any abnormalities in the testicles and scrotum can save your life, so it is very important that every man do a regularly testicular self examination.

References for this article include:

www.mayoclinic.com/health/testicular-cancer/DS00046
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/testicular
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/testicularcancer.html