Why do I need to regularly check my testicles?

Men who are aware of the signs of testicular cancer and check their testicles monthly, will be able to get a lump or other symptom checked out early. Symptoms may be due to another cause such as an infection, rather than cancer, but it is dangerous to ignore any warning signs, so get it checked out by a doctor. Early treatment of testicular cancer offers a good chance of a cure.

What causes testicular cancer?

No one is sure what causes testicular cancer. It can affect men of any age, though is more common in men in the younger age group. Men aged from 15 years and older are recommended to do a monthly self-exam of their testicles so they are familiar with what feels normal, and will be able to act quickly on anything out of the ordinary.

Warning signs

With testicular cancer the early clues are found in one of your testicles. They're usually obvious and easy to find, so watch out for any one or more of these signs:

• a hard lump on the front or side of a testicle
• swelling or enlargement of a testicle
• an increase in firmness of a testicle
• pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• an unusual difference between one testicle and the other.

Other warning signs

• heavy or dragging feeling in the groin
• dull ache in the lower stomach or groin
• enlargement or tenderness of the breasts.

What's normal anyway?

If you're going to pick up signs of trouble, you need to know what your testicles normally feel like. The best time to check is after a warm shower or bath, when the warmth has relaxed the scrotum. Hold your testicles in your hands so you can feel their size and weight. It's quite normal to have one larger than the other, or higher than the other, but they should be about the same weight.

Feel each testicle and roll it gently between your thumb and finger. It should feel smooth. You'll feel a soft, tender tube towards the back of each testicle. This is normal and is called the epididymis.

See also How to do a testicular self-examination.

Take action

If you notice anything unusual about your testicles, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Act now, don't wait a week or two.

Chances are it won't be cancer, but it's better to be safe than sorry. It's foolish to delay because of embarrassment or fear. Your doctor will give you a thorough check-up.

If it's cancer and you delay going to the doctor, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Then you'll need more extensive treatment.

Testicular cancer is a serious disease, but when it's discovered, and treated early, there's usually a complete cure.

Related topics

Also see Testicular self-examination and Testicular cancer and Testicular cancer - diagnosis and treatment

Original material provided by the Cancer Society of New Zealand. Edited by everybody, September 2010.