The Simple Facts about
Testicular Cancer



What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is a growth or tumour, which appears in one of
the testicles (which are commonly known as ‘balls’). The testicles
are the male reproductive organs contained within a bag of skin called the scrotum, which hangs below the penis. The testicles produce sperm.

What causes Testicular Cancer?

The causes of testicular cancer are not known but men born with undescended or partly descended testicles are more likely to develop testicular cancer. Research has shown that the risk is increased if you have a family member, father or brother who has developed the disease.
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men aged between 15 and 34 years. Testicular cancer is a very treatable cancer.

What to look out for?

A swelling or lump in one of your testicles which is not usually painful is the most common sign, however there are other signs to look out for: 

  • Small lumps or hardness   
  • Swelling, tenderness   
  • A sensation of dragging or heaviness in the scrotum  
  • A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin 
  •  
  • It is important to note that most lumps are benign (harmless) but others may be cancerous and should be treated as quickly as possible.

How should I check myself?


Hold your scrotum in both hands and use your fingers and a thumb to examine your testicles. It is common for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, so don’t be alarmed if this is the case. Gently feel each testicle, one at a time. You should be able to feel a soft tube at the top and back of both of them. This tube (epididymis) carries the sperm. It may be slightly tender but do not confuse this with an abnormal lump in the testicles. Often the best place to do this is in the bath or shower where the scrotum is relaxed and the

testicles can be felt easily.

What to do

Any man who notices any of the above signs should seek his doctors advice immediately. The GP will be able to assess you and if necessary, refer you to a consultant for further investigations. Do not be embarrassed or nervous, remember early detection of the disease is your best chance of a cure.

What is the treatment for Testicular Cancer?

Initial diagnosis is made by an ultrasound scan of the testicle and by blood tests. If these are suspicious then the abnormal testicle is removed by surgery with a small incision in the groin. The patient is then scanned to see if the cancer has spread. Depending on the scans and the results of tests on the abnormal testicle, the patient may be advised to have radiotherapy or chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent the cancer returning. The results of modern treatment for testicular cancer are excellent even in those patients where the cancer has spread outside the testicle to other parts of the body.


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