Testicular cancer symptoms

Testicular cancer symptoms: The most common sign of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in one of your testicles. Signs to watch for include: – A lump or swelling in part of a testicle – A testicle that becomes larger – A heavy feeling in the scrotum – Discomfort or pain in the testicle or scrotum The scrotum is the skin sack that holds your testicles. These symptoms can be similar to other conditions, like infections, but you should see a doctor if you notice: – Any of these symptoms – Unusual symptoms – Symptoms that persist or don’t improve It’s unlikely to be cancer, but it’s important to have them checked by a doctor. Don’t feel embarrassed, as doctors are experienced in discussing intimate issues and will make you feel comfortable. A lump or swelling in the testicle:  A lump or swelling in a part of one testicle is the most common sign of testicular cancer. The lump can be as small as a pea or much larger. Most lumps in the testicles are not cancerous. However, you should see your doctor to have it checked. Your doctor might use a strong light to shine through your scrotum in a test called transillumination. This test helps because: – Light passes through a harmless, fluid-filled cyst (like a hydrocoele). – Light does not pass through a solid lump, such as cancer. It’s normal for some men to have testicles of different sizes, but see your doctor if you notice any changes in size or an unusual difference between your testicles. A Heavy scrotum Your scrotum might feel unusually heavy. Alternatively, you could notice that it feels firmer or harder than usual. Discomfort or pain in a testicle or the scrotum Your scrotum might feel unusually heavy. Alternatively, you could notice that it feels firmer or harder than usual. Less common symptoms If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes (glands)  Sometimes, testicular cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the lower abdomen, which is at the back of the tummy. This can lead to a backache or a dull pain in the lower tummy area. Your doctor might refer to these lymph nodes as the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Image of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes Less often, testicular cancer can spread to lymph nodes lower down, like in the pelvic area. It can also spread to lymph nodes in the centre of your chest, between the lungs, in a place called the mediastinum. If this happens, you might experience: – A cough – Trouble breathing – Difficulty swallowing – Swelling in your chest If the cancer spreads to lymph nodes in other areas, like around the collarbone or in the neck, you might feel lumps in those places. If the cancer has spread to the lungs Sometimes, testicular cancer can spread to the lungs, though it rarely moves to other parts of the body. If it does spread to the lungs, you might have a cough or feel short of breath. Even if testicular cancer has spread when it’s found, it can usually still be treated and cured. Symptoms due to hormones Many testicular cancers produce hormones that can be detected in blood tests. Sometimes, this can cause men with testicular cancer to have sore or swollen breasts.