Testicular Cancer

Overview

Testicular cancer is relatively rare overall but is the most common cancer in younger men. It's also one of the most treatable cancers, especially when caught early through prompt evaluation of any new lump or swelling.

Symptoms

●A painless lump or swelling in the testicle

●A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

●A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin

●Sudden fluid build-up in the scrotum

●Back pain in more advanced disease

Causes

The exact cause is unclear, but a history of an undescended testis, a family history, or cancer in the other testicle previously all raise individual risk.

Risk Factors

Undescended testis history — A well-established risk factor even after surgical correction.

Family history — A father or brother with testicular cancer raises individual risk.

Prior testicular cancer — Raises the risk of a new cancer in the other testicle.

Age 15–40 — The most common age range for diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a physical exam, scrotal ultrasound, and blood tests for tumor markers, followed by imaging for staging once confirmed.

Complications If Untreated

Delayed diagnosis increases the chance of spread to lymph nodes or other organs, which can require more extensive treatment.

Prevention Tips

There's no guaranteed prevention, but regular self-examination supports early detection when the outlook is most favorable.

Lifestyle Advice

A brief monthly self-exam takes only a minute and means any new lump gets noticed — and evaluated — early.