Testicular cancer tends to mostly affect men between the ages of 15 and 49. The symptoms can be similar to other conditions that affect the testicles, like infections. But If you experience any symptoms in the testicles you should always get checked out by your GP. Cancer Research UK outlines the three main symptoms of testicular cancer to be aware of.
A lump or swelling in the testicle
A lump or swelling in part of one testicle is the most common symptom of testicular cancer, according tot he cancer charity.
It adds: “it can be as small as a pea but may be much larger.
“You may notice an unusual difference between one testicle and the other.”
But it notes most testicular lumps are not cancer.
A heavy scrotum
Another sign of prostate cancer can be a heavy scout.
It advises: “Your doctor may shine a strong light through your testicle. This test is called transillumination – light shows through a harmless, fluid filled cyst (called a hydrocele) and light can’t show through a cancer, which is a solid lump.”
Discomfort or pain in a testicle or the scrotum
Testicular cancer is not usually painful. But it warns: “The first symptom for some men is a sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum.
“This happens in about one in five men (20 per cent).”
There are some less common symptoms associated with the condition, particularly if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
If cancer has spread to lymph glands
The lymph glands can be found at the back of the abdomen, and sometimes testicular cancer can spread to here.
The charity explains: “This can cause backache or a full ache in the lower tummy.
“Less often testicular cancer spreads into lymph glands lower down, such as the pelvic lymph glands.
“If testicular cancer has spread to lymph glands in other parts of the body you might feel lumps there, such as around the collarbone or in the neck.”
If cancer has spread to the lungs
Testicular cancer rarely spreads to other organs in the body, but if it spreads to the lungs you may have a cough or feel breathless, says the charity.
It adds: “Testicular cancer can usually be cured, even if it has spread when it is diagnosed.”
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