What Are the Warning Signs of Testicular Cancer?

Have you checked your testicles lately? If not, you might want to give them a once-over to search for any signs of testicular cancer.

But what should you be looking for down there? Oncologist Shilpa Gupta, MD, has your answer.

Testicular cancer warning signs

Here are seven common signs of testicular cancer that deserve your attention. Keep in mind that many of the symptoms can occur with other conditions, too. So, they don’t always mean cancer — but they do merit an appointment with a healthcare provider for examination.

An unexplained lump

Perhaps the most common early warning sign of testicular cancer is a lump or bump on your testicles. Most of the time, the lump won’t cause pain. But some people report feeling some discomfort.

A quick self-exam once a month is the best way to search for lumps on your testicles. Perform the check after a shower or bath, as the warm water relaxes the scrotum and makes the inspection easier.

Here’s how to do the exam:

• Take a peek: Move your penis out of the way and visually inspect your scrotum for swelling, discoloration or changes in size or shape. A mirror may come in handy.
• Hold and roll: Using both hands, place your index and middle fingers underneath a testicle with your thumbs on top. Gently roll each testicle between your thumbs and fingers to check for lumps or anything out of the ordinary.
• Move over: Do the same check on your other testicle.

As you feel each testicle, you’ll no doubt notice a cord-like structure on top and in the back. This structure is called the epididymis, and it stores and transports sperm.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with what’s “normal” for your testicle so you can recognize your epididymis plus any changes or abnormalities, says Dr. Gupta. (Don’t be surprised if one testis is slightly larger than the other.)

Pro tip: Doing a self-exam after a visit to your doctor can help you get a feel for what’s “normal.”

A ‘heavy’ feeling or pressure

Your testicles usually feel like … well, testicles. They hang around and don’t call much attention to themselves.

That’s why you should pay attention if the situation changes. Testicles that suddenly feel “heavier” or like they’re under some sort of pressure could be a sign of testicular cancer or another issue.

“It’s important not to ignore any of these sorts of symptoms,” stresses Dr. Gupta.

Swelling

Testicles that suddenly appear larger could signal a fluid backup in your scrotum. This accumulation could be an early sign of testicular cancer or another issue that warrants a visit to a healthcare provider.

Swollen testicles that come with redness or warmth typically indicate an infection, not cancer. “But always get checked out if you feel a sudden accumulation of fluid in your scrotum,” advises Dr. Gupta.

Change in testicle size or firmness

Size matters when it comes to monitoring your testicles.

Certain types of testicular tumors can lead to hormonal changes — like a reduction in testosterone or an increase in estrogen — that can alter testicle size or firmness. (This can include a shrinking testicle, known as testicular atrophy.)

Swollen legs

Testicular cancer sometimes causes deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot forms in a vein deep within your body — typically, in a leg. This can result in swelling, pain and tenderness.

Why does this happen? It’s because testicular cancer can cause abnormal clotting or produce substances that increase the risk of clot formation.

Contact a healthcare provider ASAP if you experience unexplained swelling in your legs. “It’s essential to seek medical attention promptly, as blood clots can lead to serious issues, like a heart attack or stroke,” emphasizes Dr. Gupta.

Lower back pain or shortness of breath

Testicular cancer that goes untreated and advances can cascade into other issues, including:

• Lower back pain: Testicular cancer can spread into the retroperitoneal lymph nodes located in the lower back and abdomen. This can lead to feelings of pressure or pain in your lower back.
• Shortness of breath: Testicular cancer that metastasizes to your lungs can make it difficult to breathe and cause chest pain. Testicular cancer may also lead to a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), which can cause shortness of breath.

“These are generalized symptoms, but they can be signs of more advanced testicular cancer,” notes Dr. Gupta. “It’s important not to ignore these.”

Breast growth or tenderness

Hormonal changes from testicular cancer can sometimes cause breast tenderness or the growth of breast tissue. Some tumors can secrete high levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which stimulates breast development.

“If men notice sudden breast tenderness or swelling, it’s recommended to get it checked out,” says Dr. Gupta.

Why early detection matters

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare disease that’s typically curable if found early. The disease is the most diagnosed cancer in men ages 15 to 35 — a group with a relatively low overall cancer risk.

“It’s important to get care quickly if you’re experiencing symptoms because testicular cancers usually grow fast,” explains Dr. Gupta. “Up to 95% of people with testicular cancer are cured, but earlier treatment brings a greater chance for success.”

Bottom line? If you experience any signs of testicular cancer, make an appointment with a healthcare provider right away to get checked out.