What are the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer among men aged 20 to 34. It is thought to be most common among white males and rarely occurs in Africans or Asians. Medical experts are yet to determine the exact cause of testicular cancer although they believe that there are certain factors that increase a man's chances of developing it. This includes a family history of testicular cancer, having Klinefelter Syndrome (having two or more X chromosomes) and having undescended testicle.

However, studies have shown that most men diagnosed with testicular cancer do not have any of these risks. It is often detected by men themselves when they conduct a self-examination or by doctors during a physical exam. The doctors may also advise you to take tests in order to rule out other conditions which may be the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of testicular cancer. It is important to keep in mind that having any of these symptoms do not necessarily point to testicular cancer. However, it would be best to have yourself checked if you are indeed experiencing any of the following.

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on one of the testicles. It often appears on the front or side of the testicles, may feel hard and have the size of a pea. This should never be ignored. Once a man notices this, he should immediately have it checked. Although it can be caused by swollen blood vessels, it is important to get it checked just so the doctor can determine if the lump is cancerous or not.

Aside from the swelling of or a lump on one of the testicles, other testicular cancer symptoms include a pain or ache in your testicles or scrotum which comes and goes, a feeling of heaviness in your scrotum, pain in your lower abdomen, groin or lower back, fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.

When the cancer has metastasized or has spread beyond the testicles, a man will experience more telling symptoms such as pain in the abdomen and lower back, fever, lethargy, sweating for no obvious reason, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and a lump in the neck. Some men may also have enlarged and swollen breasts.

It is important to know that testicular cancer is one of the easiest types to cure. This is the reason why early detection is crucial. When it is diagnosed in its early stages, appropriate treatment can be given therefore increasing a man's chances of recovering from it.