Testicular Cancer

Symptoms

Several types of cells exist in the testicle; each can develop into a different kind of cancer. Many men discover testicular cancer either unintentionally or while doing a testicular self-examination to check for lumps. Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• A lump or enlargement in a testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that a patient has testicular cancer. Other harmless conditions that mimic the symptoms of testicular cancer include hydrocele, a collection of fluid in the scrotum; epididymitis, a swelling of the epididymis (the structure behind the testis where sperm mature) which may also cause fever and discharge from the penis; and varicocele, varicose veins in the scrotum. Inflammation of the testis can also be related to bacterial and viral infections.