Testicular Cancer Symptoms – Signs & Diagnosis
Testicular cancer symptoms: Learn which signs may indicate testicular cancer, when to see a doctor, and how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
Things worth knowing about "testicular cancer symptoms"
Testicular cancer symptoms: Learn which signs may indicate testicular cancer, when to see a doctor, and how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
What Is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer (medically known as a testicular tumour or testicular carcinoma) is a malignant disease of the testicle. It is one of the most common cancers in men between the ages of 15 and 45. Although the diagnosis can be frightening, testicular cancer is highly treatable when detected early and is curable in the vast majority of cases.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
The symptoms of testicular cancer are often non-specific and may easily go unnoticed. Typical signs include:
- Painless lump or hardening of one testicle – this is the most common and most important early warning sign.
- Change in size or shape of a testicle – one testicle appears noticeably larger, smaller, or differently shaped than the other.
- Heaviness in the scrotum – a dull feeling of pressure or a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
- Dull ache or pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or back – which may indicate tumour spread.
- Fluid build-up in the scrotum (hydrocele).
- Breast tissue enlargement (gynecomastia) – some testicular tumours produce hormones that can cause breast tissue to grow.
Symptoms of Advanced Testicular Cancer
If the cancer has already spread (metastasised), additional symptoms may occur:
- Persistent back pain (lymph node metastases)
- Cough or shortness of breath (lung metastases)
- General fatigue, weakness, and unintentional weight loss
When to See a Doctor
Any unexplained lump, hardness, or change in the shape of a testicle should be evaluated by a doctor promptly – even in the absence of pain. Regular self-examination is recommended to detect changes early. As a general rule: The earlier testicular cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of a full recovery.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of testicular cancer is not fully understood. Known risk factors include:
- Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism): A testicle that has not descended into the scrotum significantly increases the risk.
- Family history of testicular cancer (father or brother affected)
- Previous testicular cancer in the other testicle
- Certain genetic conditions (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome)
Diagnosis
Testicular cancer is typically diagnosed using the following methods:
- Physical examination by a doctor
- Scrotal ultrasound – the most important imaging method for assessing the testicle
- Blood tests for tumour markers such as AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), beta-hCG, and LDH
- CT or MRI scans of the abdomen and chest to assess potential metastases
Treatment
Treatment depends on the tumour type and the stage of the disease. The main treatment options include:
- Surgery (orchiectomy): Removal of the affected testicle – almost always the first step in treatment
- Radiation therapy: Primarily used for seminomas (a specific tumour type)
- Chemotherapy: Used in advanced stages or for certain tumour types (non-seminomas)
Compared to many other cancers, testicular cancer has an exceptionally high cure rate. In early stages, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 95%.
References
- European Association of Urology (EAU): EAU Guidelines on Testicular Cancer (2023). https://uroweb.org/guidelines/testicular-cancer
- American Cancer Society: Testicular Cancer Signs and Symptoms (2023). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer
- Albers P et al.: Guidelines on Testicular Cancer – EAU Guidelines Office, Arnhem, The Netherlands (2023).
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