About Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is cancer found in the testicles — the two small, oval-shaped organs that hang below the penis in the scrotum, and which produce sperm and testosterone. It's most common in men aged 15 to 49, though anyone with testicles can develop it. How serious it is depends on the type of testicular cancer, its size, and whether it's spread elsewhere in the body.
Symptoms
Testicular cancer usually only affects one testicle, though rarely both can be affected. Symptoms include a lump or swelling in the testicle, the testicle getting bigger, an ache or pain in the testicle or scrotum, and the scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard. Other symptoms can include an ache or pain in the back or lower tummy, losing weight without trying, a cough, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a sore or swollen chest.
It's worth checking your testicles regularly so you know what's normal for you, making it easier to notice any changes in their size, look, or feel.
Seeing a GP
See a GP if you have a lump or swelling on one or both testicles, a testicle getting bigger, a scrotum that feels heavy, firm or hard, an ache or pain in the scrotum or testicles, or any change that isn't normal for you. These symptoms are common and often have causes other than cancer, but it's important to get them checked — if cancer is the cause, catching it early generally makes it easier to treat.
A GP will ask about your symptoms and general health, and examine your testicles and the lymph nodes at the top of your legs. If they think your symptoms could suggest cancer, they'll arrange an urgent referral for further tests or a specialist opinion — this doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer.
