Testicular cancer
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in your testicle.
Testicular symptoms to look out for include:
a lump or swelling in part of one testicle
a testicle that gets bigger
a heavy scrotum
discomfort or pain in your testicle or scrotum
The scrotum is the sack of skin that surrounds your testicles. These symptoms can be similar to other conditions that affect the testicles, such as infections. But it is important that you see a doctor if you have:
any of these symptoms
symptoms that are unusual for you
symptoms that don’t go away or don’t improve
Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer but it is important to get them checked by a doctor. Try not to be embarrassed. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease.
A lump or swelling in part of one testicle is the most common symptom of a testicular cancer. It can be as small as a pea but may be much larger.
Most testicular lumps are not cancer. But do contact your GP surgery to make an appointment to see your doctor, so you can be checked.
Your doctor may shine a strong light through your scrotum. This test is called transillumination. This is useful because:
light shows through a harmless, fluid filled cyst (for example a hydrocoele)
light can't show through a cancer, which is a solid lump
It is usual for some men to have different size testicles. But see your doctor if the size changes, or you notice an unusual difference in size between one testicle and the other.
Your scrotum may feel heavy. Or you might notice that your scrotum feels firmer or harder.
Testicular cancer is not usually painful. But the first symptom for some men is a sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum.
Sometimes testicular cancer cells can spread into at the back of the tummy (abdomen). This can cause backache or a dull ache in the lower tummy. Your doctor may call these lymph nodes the retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
Testicular cancer can spread to other lymph nodes lower down, such as the pelvic lymph nodes.
The cells can also spread to lymph nodes in the centre of your chest between the lungs – in an area called the mediastinum. If this happens you could have one or more of the following:
a cough
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
a swelling in your chest
weight loss
back pain
If testicular cancer has spread to lymph nodes in other parts of the body you might feel lumps there, such as around the collarbone or in the neck.
Sometimes testicular cancer spreads to the lungs. If it has spread to the lungs you may have a cough or feel breathless.
Testicular cancer can usually be cured, even if it has spread to other parts of the body when it is diagnosed.
Many testicular cancers make hormones that can show up in blood tests. Occasionally, men with testicular cancer have tender or swollen breasts because of these hormones.
Last reviewed: 17 Dec 2024
Next review due: 17 Dec 2027
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system.
See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of testicular cancer.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you for tests or to a specialist if you have symptoms that could be caused by testicular cancer.
You usually have surgery. You might have chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This depends on the stage and type of your testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, which are part of a man's reproductive system.
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