Most testicular cancers can be found at an early stage, when they're small and haven't spread. In some men, early testicular cancers cause symptoms that lead them to seek medical attention. Most of the time a lump on the testicle is the first symptom, or the testicle might be swollen or larger than normal. But some testicular cancers might not cause symptoms until they've reached an advanced stage. Show Most doctors agree that examining a man’s testicles should be part of a general physical exam during a routine check-up. Some doctors recommend that all men examine their testicles monthly after puberty. Each man has to decide for himself whether or not to do this, so instructions for testicular exams are included in this section. If you have certain risk factors that increase your chance of developing testicular cancer (such as an undescended testicle, previous germ cell tumor in one testicle, or a family history), you should seriously consider monthly self-exams and talk about it with your doctor. The American Cancer Society advises men to be aware of testicular cancer and to see a doctor right away if they find a lump in a testicle. Because regular testicular self-exams have not been studied enough to know if they reduce the death rate from this cancer, the ACS does not have a recommendation on regular testicular self-exams for all men. Testicular self-examThe best time for you to examine your testicles is during or after a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed.
It’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, and for one to hang lower than the other. You should also be aware that each normal testicle has a small, coiled tube called the epididymis that can feel like a small bump on the upper or middle outer side of the testis. Normal testicles also contain blood vessels, supporting tissues, and tubes that carry sperm. Some men may confuse these with abnormal lumps at first. If you have any concerns, ask your doctor. A testicle can get larger for many reasons other than cancer. For example, fluid can collect around the testicle to form a hydrocele. Or the veins in the testicle can dilate and cause enlargement and lumpiness around the testicle. This is called a varicocele. If your testicle seems larger, have a doctor examine you to be sure you have one of these conditions and not a tumor. The doctor may order an ultrasound exam (see Tests for Testicular Cancer). This is an easy and painless way of finding a tumor. If you choose to examine your testicles regularly, you will get to know what's normal and what's different. Always report any changes to your doctor without delay. Urology Health - How to Perform a Testicular Self-Examination? What is Testicular Self-Examination?Testicular self-examination is when you check your testicles for any abnormalities. It is important to know what feels normal and to be able to notice any changes. Changes are not always cancer. If it is cancer and you catch it early, you have the best chance for a cure. When To Perform Self-Exam
How to Perform Self-Exam
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Urology Health extraRead the latest issue of Urology Health extra, the Urology Care Foundations patient-focused magazine. × Your Browser is Not Supported This web site has been optimized for user experience and security, therefore Internet Explorer(IE) is not a recommended browser.Please use the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari(MacOS). Thank you. When should you do testicular selfIt's best to do it during or just after a hot shower or bath. The scrotum (skin that covers the testicles) is most relaxed then, which makes it easier to feel the testicles for lumps. Lumps may be as small as a piece of rice or a pea.
Can you do testicular selfTo perform a testicular self-examination, grasp and roll the testicle between your thumbs and forefingers, feeling for lumps, swelling, hardness or other changes. A testicular self-exam is an inspection of the appearance and feel of your testicles.
How often should men perform a selfScreening information for testicular cancer
Some doctors recommend that men ages 15 to 55 perform a monthly self-examination to find any changes. Monthly testicular self-examinations, performed after a warm shower, can help find the cancer at an early stage, when it is more likely to be successfully treated.
Who should do a testicular selfUpon reaching puberty, all men should conduct a monthly testicular self-exam and ask your doctor during your yearly physical to perform one as well.
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How often should you do a testicular self exam
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