Testicular cancer warning – see a GP if you have a lump in your testicles that’s this big

Testicular cancer is one of the less common cancers in the UK, and often has painless symptoms, according to the NHS.

The disease is most common in men aged between 15 and 49 years old, although anyone could develop the disease. 

Testicular cancer affects the testicles in men, the two oval-shaped organs that are found inside the scrotum. The testicles are responsible for producing sperm.

These are the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, including lumps in one of the testicles.

Finding a lump in one, or both, of your testicles could be a sign of testicular cancer.

The lump may be roughly the size of a pea, but could also be larger.

Look out for a hard lump on the front side of the testicles.

The testicles should usually feel smooth, without any lumps or bumps, and firm, but not hard.

“Most men’s testicles are about the same size, though its common for one to be slightly bigger than the other,” said the NHS.

“It’s also common for one testicle to hang lower than the other. If you notice any changes or anything unusual about your testicles, you should see a GP.

“Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles.

“Most lumps or swellings in the scrotum aren’t in the testicle and aren’t a sign of cancer, but they should never be ignored.”

Other signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include an increase in the firmness of a testicle, and finding a difference between one testicle and the other.

A dull ache, or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum may also be a sign of testicular cancer.

You could also be at risk if you have a feeling of heaviness in your scrotum.

Less than four per cent of scrotal lumps or swellings are cancerous, and may be caused by swollen blood vessels or cysts.