Testicular cancer presents as a lump in the testicle. Regular self-examination should be done monthly after a warm bath or shower as the scrotal skin will be relaxed. It is quite common for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other or to hang slightly lower.
Each testicle can be examined by rolling it gently between the thumb and finger and should feel smooth.
At the back of each testicle is a soft, often tender tube, this is the epididymis that collects and stores sperm.
Indications that there may be an abnormality of concern include:
. A hard lump usually on the front or side of the testicle
. Any enlargement of a testicle
. Increased firmness of a testicle
. Pain or discomfort in the testicle or in the scrotum
. An unusual difference between one testicle and the other
A simple non-invasive test is an ultrasound scan of the testicles. The test is painless and takes a few minutes and gives excellent diagnostic information about whether the testicles are normal or not. Ultrasound of the testicles is a very accurate method of diagnosis for testicular cancer.
