A lump within the testicle. [4] X Expert Source Robert Dhir, MDBoard Certified Urologist & Urological Surgeon Expert Interview. 23 September 2020. The lump does not have to be large or painful warrant a doctor visit as tumors can begin as small as a pea or a grain of rice. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Testicular Enlargement. This can be of one or both testicles. Note that it is normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower than the other and to be slightly larger than the other. However, if one testicle is larger than the other or has an abnormal shape or hardness, consult a doctor. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Changes in density or texture. Has one testicle become abnormally firm or lumpy? Healthy testicles are completely smooth all over. Note that the testicles are connected to the vas deferens via a small, soft tube at the top called the epididymis. If you feel this while inspecting your testicles, don’t be alarmed; this is normal. [7] X Research source
Take your time. Make sure to thoroughly check the entire surface of each testicle.
Family history of testicular cancer. An undescended testicle (also called cryptorchidism). Three out of four cases of testicular cancer occur in an individual with an undescended testicle. Intratubular Germ Cell Neoplasia (IGCN). Often called “carcinoma in situ” (CIS), IGCN occurs when cancer cells manifest in germ cells within the seminiferous tubules where these cells are formed. IGCN and CIS is uniform precursors to cancerous tumors of the testes and, in 90% of cases, is found in tissues surrounding a tumor. [14] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Ethnicity. Studies in the US have shown that Caucasian men are more likely to get testicular cancer than other groups. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Previous Diagnosis. If you have had and recovered from a prior testicular cancer diagnosis, you are at increased risk that the other testicle will be affected. [16] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
Mention your symptoms when making a doctor’s appointment. This increases the likelihood that your doctor will see you promptly.
Heaviness, or an aching sensation in the lower abdomen or scrotum. Pain in the lower back, unassociated with stiffness or injury. Swelling of the breasts (rare). Infertility. In rare cases, an individual may experience no other symptoms except infertility.
A cyst in the epididymis (the tube at the top of the testicle) called a spermatocele. An enlarged testicular blood vessel called a varicocele. A fluid buildup in the testicular membrane called a hydrocele. A tear or opening in the abdominal muscle called a hernia.
