Lumps or swelling on your testicles -- or scrotal masses -- are usually benign (not cancerous). But lumps can sometimes be a sign of another condition; in rare cases they may be a sign of testicular cancer. A doctor should examine your testicles and scrotum to find the cause of any lumps or swelling.

What does the lump feel like in testicular cancer?

The most common symptom is a lump or a swelling in your testicle. Lumps can be as small as a pea. Swelling can feel like an irregular thickening on your testicle. These things are often painless, but you might feel some discomfort.

Can a lump on your testicle not be cancer?

The majority of lumps found in the testicle are not caused by cancer. Testicle lumps are more commonly caused by fluid collecting, an infection, or swelling of skin or veins. However, it is not possible to diagnose the cause of a lump at home. A person should always seek medical advice.

How likely is a testicular lump to cancer?

Lumps within the scrotum can have many different causes, and testicular cancer is rare. Your GP will examine you and if they think the lump is in your testicle, they may consider cancer as a possible cause. Only a very small minority of scrotal lumps or swellings are cancerous.

What are 5 warning signs of testicular cancer?

• A painless lump, swelling or enlargement of one or both testes.
• Pain or heaviness in the scrotum.
• A dull ache or pressure in the groin, abdomen or low back.
• A general feeling of malaise, including unexplained fatigue, fever, sweating, coughing, shortness of breath or mild chest pains.

Testicular Cancer: Signs, Symptoms and Self-Exams

How can you tell if a lump is cancerous?

Bumps that are cancerous are typically large, hard, painless to the touch and appear spontaneously. The mass will grow in size steadily over the weeks and months. Cancerous lumps that can be felt from the outside of your body can appear in the breast, testicle, or neck, but also in the arms and legs.

Why is there a lump on my ball?

Lumps or swelling on your testicles -- or scrotal masses -- are usually benign (not cancerous). But lumps can sometimes be a sign of another condition; in rare cases they may be a sign of testicular cancer. A doctor should examine your testicles and scrotum to find the cause of any lumps or swelling.

What is a pea sized lump in testicle?

Epididymal cysts

These are small fluid filled cysts, which may contain semen. They are usually about the size of a pea but can be larger. They usually develop in adults around the age of 40 and may take many years to form. They are smooth and spherical and tend to be found in the head of the epididymis.

Is testicular cancer fatal?

Testicular cancer is a potentially deadly disease. Although it accounts for only 1.2% of all cancers in males, cancer of the testis accounts for about 11%-13% of all cancer deaths of men between the ages of 15-35. Testicular cancer has two peaks according to age.

How long can you live with untreated testicular cancer?

The general 5-year survival rate for men with testicular cancer is 95%. This means that 95 men out of every 100 men diagnosed with testicular cancer will live at least 5 years after diagnosis. The survival rate is higher for people diagnosed with early-stage cancer and lower for those with later-stage cancer.

How do I check myself for testicular cancer?

Hold the testicle between your thumbs and fingers with both hands and roll it gently between the fingers. Look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of the testicles.

Can testicular cancer go away by itself?

Testicular cancer is unusual; most others do not disappear. But there is growing evidence that cancers can go backward or stop, and researchers are being forced to reassess their notions of what cancer is and how it develops.

What age can a man get testicular cancer?

Testis cancer is most common in men in their late 20s and early 30s, with an average age of diagnosis of 33 years old.

What age can you get testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 35. However, it can occur at any age. Race. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men.

Are testicular tumors movable?

Testicular lumps are most often painless, although some do cause pain. They can also be movable or immovable. Some tumors may be smaller than a pea, while others can be larger than a marble.

Where would I find a lump on my testicle?

Hold your testicle between your thumbs and fingers with both hands and roll it gently between your fingers. Look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of your testicles.

Do testicular cysts hurt?

They are often painless, but the affected testicle may sometimes ache or feel heavy. You may also experience some pain and discomfort if the cyst puts pressure on other structures in or around your testicle.

Can you have a cancerous lump for years?

For example, certain types of skin cancer can be diagnosed initially just by visual inspection — though a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. But other cancers can form and grow undetected for 10 years or more , as one study found, making diagnosis and treatment that much more difficult.

When should you get a lump checked?

See a GP if:

your lump is painful, red or hot. your lump is hard and does not move. your lump lasts more than 2 weeks. a lump grows back after it's been removed.

Is cancerous lump painful?

Cancer lumps usually don't hurt. If you have one that doesn't go away or grows, see your doctor.

Is testicular cancer fast growing?

Seminomas are testicular cancers that grow slowly. They're usually confined to your testes, but your lymph nodes may also be involved. Nonseminomas are the more common form of testicular cancer. This type is faster growing and may spread to other parts of your body.

Can testicular cancer be cured?

If the cancer returns following treatment for stage 1 testicular cancer and it's diagnosed at an early stage, it's usually possible to cure it using chemotherapy and possibly also radiotherapy. Some types of recurring testicular cancer have a cure rate of over 95%.

Can u get cancer from sperm?

Secondly, a study in 1998 demonstrated that prostate-cancer cells can be found in semen, although not with enough specificity to serve as a diagnostic test. Still, that doesn't mean that prostate-cancer cells carried in semen could spread cancer to another person.

Should I be worried if I have testicular cancer?

Men should see a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms: A painless lump or swelling in a testicle. Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum. Any enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels.

How do I keep my balls healthy?

1. Do a monthly testicular self-exam. Roll each testicle around in your scrotum using your fingers. ...
2. Bathe regularly. Take a shower or bath every day to keep your entire genital area clean. ...
3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. ...
4. Wear protection when you have sex.