Symptoms of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer does not always exhibit any symptoms and when it does, its symptoms are similar to those of non-cancerous conditions or inflammations. For these reasons, testicular cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage.
Any one or a combination of the following symptoms should serve as warning signs:
1. Lump and swelling in the testicle
A painless lump or a swelling, or a general change in the size of the testes is one sign of testicular cancer. It is not unusual for one testicle to seem larger than the other. However, a noticeable change from what is usually the normal size of either testes should be treated as a warning sign.
2. Pain or discomfort in the scrotum
Ordinarily a lump or swelling does not cause pain. In some cases of testicular cancer, however, patients report an ache in the scrotum holding the affected testes. It also could be a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum causing discomfort.
3. Enlargement and tenderness of breasts
In rare instances, the presence of testicular tumors encourages the development of breast tissue. This is a condition known as gynecomastia.
4. Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum
A sudden and perceptible collection of fluid in the scrotum should be treated as a red flag.
5. Pain in the groin area, abdomen or lower back
This occurs as an extension of the pain in the testes, if any. It also occurs if the cancer has spread from the testes to the lymph nodes around the groin and the abdomen.
It is noteworthy that the symptoms described above could arise from a non-cancerous condition. That may be reassuring news, but any symptoms also should be considered with caution, because they make testicular cancer that much harder to detect. It is advisable to see a urologist if you have experienced any of the above symptoms, if only to eliminate the presence of testicular cancer. Experienced urologists at St Pete Urology can offer help and treatment for urological problems. Their pool of trained urologists can offer consultation and guidance with any questions and concerns you may have. For more information about testicular cancer, visit the St Pete Urology website.