Testicular cancer is rare and accounts for around 1% of total cancers in men. However, it is the most common for men between the ages of 15 – 35.
A man can develop testicular cancer at any point in his lifetime, but young males are those primarily at risk. It is one of the most treatable and curable cancers.
The most common symptoms for testicular cancer are the presence of swelling or a painless lump in either of your testicles. The swelling may protrude the scrotum 1-2cm in size but could be larger.
Less common symptoms include:
- A sudden fluid build-up or a heavy feeling in your scrotum
- Enlargement/tenderness in your breasts
- Discomfort and/or pain in your scrotum and/or testicle
- A backache/pain
- A dull groin or abdomen ache
- Chest pain
- Shortage of breath
- Developing a blood clot
- Swelling of 1 or both legs
While men with testicular cancer may experience various symptoms and signs, it is possible that no symptoms occur at all.
It should also be noted that symptoms are not necessarily definitive of cancer. It may be a case that the symptom is indicative of a separate, unrelated medical condition.
Men may be at further risk to testicular cancer if:
- They have an undescended testicle
- The testicle grows or develops in an abnormal manner
- They have a family history of testicular cancer
- They are a white male. (White males are 4 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than black men)
At IPSA Medical Clinic, your clinician will examine you to determine if any further tests are suggested (e.g. an ultrasound scan or tumour marker blood tests). In our conducive clinic setting, with plenty of time available to discuss your worries with your physician, your experience will be both as reassuring and as comfortable as possible. If further tests are required, the reasons for those tests and the results will be discussed with you and clearly explained to you by your physician in person.
Although most lumps or swellings in the scrotum are not indicative of cancer, it’s highly advisable that you do not ignore any perturbances.
If you are worried about any issues related to testicular cancer, then book your same-day IPSA Medical consultation by phone or through our online booking system.
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