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By Mayo Clinic staffDon't be embarrassed about contacting your doctor if you find a lump or other problem during a testicular exam. It's especially important to contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- A lump or swelling in a testicle or the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
- A change in the size of a testicle
- A change in the way a testicle feels
- A heavy feeling in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back or groin
Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may do a testicular exam followed by a blood test, ultrasound or biopsy.
Remember, unusual signs and symptoms aren't necessarily due to testicular cancer — but they still need to be checked out by a doctor. Testicular cancer is easiest to treat when it's detected early. Even if your signs and symptoms are caused by something other than testicular cancer, you may still need treatment.
- Moul JW. Timely diagnosis of testicular cancer. The Urologic Clinics of North America. 2007;24:109.
- Bohnenkamp S, et al. The medical-surgical nurse's guide to testicular cancer. Medsurg Nursing: The Official Journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. 2009;18:116.
- How to do a testicular self-examination. The Testicular Cancer Resource Center. http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Testicular cancer: Questions and answers. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/testicular. Accessed June 17, 2009.
- Do I have testicular cancer? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_2_3X_Do_I_Have_Testicular_Cancer.asp. Accessed July 16, 2009.
- Shaw J. Diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer. American Family Physician. 2008;77:469.
- Screening for testicular cancer: Recommendation statement. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/testicular/testiculrs.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2009.
