Common Testicular Cancer Symptoms and When to Get Help

Editor: Hetal Bansal on Mar 11,2025

 

Testicular cancer is a condition where the two small organs in the scrotum (known as the testicles) produce sperm and testosterone. Testicular cancer is uncommon, but among young men 15 to 40 it is the most common cancer. By catching it early, it is important to know the symptoms and signs of testicular cancer so it can be treated successfully.

What is Testicular Cancer?

Abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both testicles, often called testicular cancer. If these cells are not treated, they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.

According to some experts, the actual reason testicular cancer occurs is still not known, but some risk factors are associated, including a family history of testicular cancer, a history of undescended testicles, or some other genetic condition.

How Common is Testicular Cancer?

The rate of testicular cancer is relatively high compared to other types of cancers in men, with only about 1% of all male cancers being testicular cancer. Still, it is the most common type of cancer in young men.

The good news is that testicular cancer is very highly curable. It’s all because when the cancer is found early, then the survival rates are extremely high. Treatment is highly effective, with more than 95% survival, in most cases.

What Causes Testicular Cancer?

The cause of testicular cancer has not been found by researchers, they say, but they have identified a combination of both genetic and environmental causes. The potential causes and risk factors may include some:

Family History and Genetics

A family history of testicular cancer raises a person’s risk of developing the disease. However, abnormal cell growth in the testicles may also result from genetic mutations.

Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)

Undescended testicles — when one or both testis do not move into the scrotum before birth — are more likely to increase the risk of testicular cancer.

Age and Ethnicity

Testicular cancer can occur in men of any age but more commonly in men 15 – 40 years old. In addition, Caucasian men are more likely to develop testicular cancer compared to any other ethnic group.

You may also like to read: Understanding Normal Testosterone Levels: What’s Healthy?

Testicular Cancer Symptoms: What to Watch For

man suffering from testicular pain

The more you understand testicular cancer symptoms, the more you can make sure of early detection, and hence a successful treatment. The symptoms that a person may experience can vary from person to person, but very commonly include:

A Lump or Swelling in the Testicle

A testicular lump or swelling is the most noticeable sign of testicular cancer. Most often, the lump is painless, but some men may feel some aching or discomfort in the area of the lump.

Changes in Testicle Size or Shape

An abnormality may be indicated if one testicle becomes larger or smaller than the other. Many men also say that they feel heaviness in the scrotum.

Pain or Discomfort in the Testicle or Scrotum

Testicular cancer is usually painless when it first begins, but some men may notice a dull ache or pain in the scrotum or involved testicle. This discomfort may be intermittent or may be constant.

Fluid Build-up in the Scrotum

A testicular cancer may have the symptom of sudden fluid accumulation in the scrotum, called hydrocele. Swelling or discomfort is possible with this condition.

Lower Back or Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower back, abdomen, and chest may result if testicular cancer spreads beyond the testicles. In this case, cancer cells interfere with the lymph nodes or other organs.

Breast Tenderness or Enlargement

Testicular cancer can result in a hormone-containing gland change in men that may cause breast tenderness or enlargement, an occurrence called gynecomastia in rare cases.

What Does Testicular Cancer Feel Like?

What does testicular cancer feel like? Many men wonder about such a thing. Testicular cancer generally looks like a firm, painless lump (mass) in the testicle. It is some describe it as feeling like a small, hard pebble or an area that is a little bit bigger and doesn’t feel like the rest of the testicle.

It can become larger and later cause swelling or heaviness in the scrotum if the tumor grows. If there are any unusual changes in the testicles, a doctor should be evaluated.

How to Check for Testicular Cancer

Regular self-examinations for testicular cancer early cancer can be quite helpful. They advise one to check the testicles once a month, and ideally, after a warm shower, when the scrotum is relaxed. To check for testicular cancer:

  1. Roll each testicle from between your thumb and finger.
  2. Inspect and observe any change in size, shape, or feeling of any lump or swelling.
  3. Look out for any feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the scrotum.

However, whenever you see something amiss, rush to a healthcare provider.

When to Seek Medical Help

However, not every lump or change in the testicles is cancerous, but it is always advisable to see a doctor if something seems 'unusual'. Early diagnosis is the best way to increase the chance of successful treatment, if you continue to suffer, do not delay taking medical advice. Tests done by a healthcare provider can check whether cancer is present using methods including ultrasounds, blood tests, and biopsies.

Testicular Cancer Treatment Options

However, testicular cancer is usually diagnosed in the early stages and therefore the treatment for it is very effective. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, treatment choice depends, and common options include:

Surgery (Orchiectomy)

Treatment of testicular cancer includes surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy). This is a simple procedure with a generally high success rate.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy beams are used to expose cancer cells to radiation therapy. It is used for cases when cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs throughout the body that are meant to kill cancer cells. It is usually given when testicular cancer has spread outside the testicle.

Surveillance and Follow-Up

Treatment is followed by regular follow-ups to look for a recurrence. Men usually can return to normal activities following treatment, and in many cases, still may father children using fertility preservation.

Also read: Understanding Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Testicular Cancer Survival Rate

Five-year testicular cancer survival rate is more than 95%, and the survival rate from testicular cancer is very high. The rates are even better when picked up early. Although most patients with cancer that has spread to other areas of the body can now live for a long time, treatment for even the most advanced cases has improved.

How Do You Get Testicular Cancer?

Although the exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, some factors do raise the likelihood. The roles are significant: genetic predisposition, undescended testicles, and family history.

Other causes include hormonal imbalances and environmental factors. It can occur at any age, but men between ages 15 and 40 are more at risk. Self examing regularly, and early detection is one of the most contributing factors to successful treatment and recovery.

Conclusion

Early detection and successful treatment are possible if you recognize the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. A sore testicle or any new change in your testicles should be examined by your healthcare provider immediately. Making regular testicular cancer self-examination and knowing of testicular warnings can make the difference between whether cancer is caught early or not. Because of high testicular cancer survival rates with early treatment, monitoring your body and seeing a doctor immediately when you notice anything out of the ordinary can put you on a positive course for treatment.

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