OVERVIEW
Testicular cancer is the most common cause of cancer in men between 18-40 years of age but can happen at any age. Most tumors are discovered on self-exam by the patient feeling a lump in the testicle and cause no symptoms. Occasionally, testicular cancer may cause pain or swelling of the testicle. All men should perform monthly self-exams. Treatment includes partial or complete removal of the testicle, but occasionally chemotherapy/radiation/lymph node surgery may be needed as well.
Symptoms
Some men notice a painless swelling or enlargement of the testicle; others will have pain, tenderness or a dull ache.
Diagnosis
It is important to contact a urologist when any lump or firm area within the testicle is noticed. The urologist will order an ultrasound of the testicles, in some cases, will perform a blood sample to check for the presence of proteins produced by most testicular cancers.
Treatment
Tumors that are suspicious for malignancy (cancerous) are treated by surgical removal of the testicle through a small incision of the groin. Subsequent treatment is determined by cell type, which can be seminoma, nonseminoma or both. Removal of a testicle should not impair sexual potency or fertility, although there may be a brief decrease in sperm production.