What are testicular cancer symptoms?

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the testicles, two egg-shaped organs located inside the scrotum.

The testicles play an important role in reproduction by generating male hormones and sperm. Although testicular cancer is uncommon compared to other cancers, it is the most prevalent cancer in men in the U.S. between the ages of 15 and 35 years. The risk for developing testicular cancer is highest in this age range. Other men at higher risk of testicular cancer include men who have had problems or abnormalities in their testicle development, those who have had a testicle that did not descend, and those with a family history of testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer usually only occurs in one testicle. Symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

swelling, pain or lumps in either testicle;
a heavy feeling in the scrotum area;
an ache in the groin or abdomen;
back pain;
swelling or discomfort in the breasts; and
sudden fluid accumulation in the scrotum.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms should see a doctor.

Doctors will diagnose testicular cancer through a physical examination, laboratory testing and biopsy. In many cases, particularly when the disease is caught early, testicular cancer can be treated. Treatments include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Treatments for testicular cancer may lead to infertility, so men diagnosed with testicular cancer who still wish to have children should discuss fertility preservation options with members of their treatment team.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-cancer/basics/definition/con-20043068

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/testicularcancer.html