The Most Common Symptom Of Testicular Cancer Is Painless: What Men Need To Know

Did you know testicular cancer affects about 1 of every 250 males at some point during their lifetime? Were you aware that the average age of males when first diagnosed with testicular cancer is about 33? If the answer is no, it is time to brush up your knowledge around the disease, as it is not just limited to older adults but is prevalent among young people too.  In fact, testicular cancer most frequently occurs in men aged 20-34, says the National Cancer Institute (NCI). So what should you do? Should you wait until symptoms arise? Or can cancer symptoms be asymptomatic? Here’s what an expert has to say…

Characteristics Of Testicular Cancer Lump

When we think of cancer, pain and intense discomfort are some of the thoughts that come to our mind. But what if we told you, physically, you may not feel anything even if you have the deadly disease, at least not in the early stages. Speaking to the OnlyMyHealth team about testicular cancer, Dr Yugandar Reddy, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, says it can indeed be asymptomatic, meaning a person may have the cancer without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. This is why the doctor urges people to do regular self-exams and get medical check-ups for early detection, especially for those at higher risk. This includes people with a family history of testicular cancer or certain genetic conditions.

While a lump is a common indicator of cancer in the testicles, the doctor shares that it may be “painless or mildly painful.” Sometimes, you may also have swelling in one side of the testicles, he says, adding, “The lump may feel firm or hard and is usually detected during a self-exam or physical examination by a healthcare professional.”

“Not all lumps or irregularities in the testicles indicate cancer, but any unusual changes should be evaluated by a healthcare provider,” she advises. 

Other Symptoms Of Testicular Cancer

Apart from a lump in the affected organ, other signs of testicular cancer include:

• Changes in testicle size or shape, where one testicle may become larger or smaller than the other
• Heaviness or aching sensation in the lower abdomen or scrotum; it may not be painful but can feel uncomfortable
• Swelling or a feeling of heaviness due to fluid accumulation in the scrotum (hydrocele)
• Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
• Back pain or belly pain in rare cases, especially if the cancer has spread

How To Diagnose The Cancer On Time

Screening methods and diagnostic approaches for testicular cancer include:

• Self-examination: Men should perform regular self-exams to check for any lumps, swelling, or abnormalities in their testicles. A self-exam is best performed after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is relaxed, making it easier to detect any irregularities.
• Clinical examination: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, including a physical examination of the testicles, can help detect any unusual changes.
• Ultrasound: This imaging test can provide detailed pictures of the testicles and help determine if a lump or swelling is cancerous.
• Blood tests: Blood tests, such as tumour marker tests, can help diagnose or monitor the progress of testicular cancer.

Bottomline

Testicular cancers are most commonly seen in young adults between 20-40 years of age, says Dr Reddy. However, they are also the most curable cancers in the body, especially when it is detected early and appropriately treated on time. According to the doctor, it even has a success and survival rate of 95-99%. Therefore, if you detect any symptoms or have any concerns about your testicular health, it is best to consult a doctor or an oncologist for evaluation and guidance.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/painless-symptom-of-testicular-cancer-in-men-1696674044