Testicular cancer accounts for 1% of all types of cancer in men. However, for young men aged 15-35, testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer.
Knowing the early warning signs of testicular cancer can help start treatment early on. This can significantly improve a person’s chances of recovery, especially if the cancer is still in its early stages.
What are the early warning signs of testicular cancer?
A lump in one or both of the testicles
One of the early warning signs of testicular cancer is a painless lump in one or both testicles. These lumps are tumors and are usually small, and starts at about the size of a pea or a marble.
These lumps are usually painless when touched, and do not cause discomfort if they are still small.
The presence of tumors in the testicles does not always mean cancer, but they should not be ignored. If you notice any unusual lumps in your testicles, be sure to get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible to get it checked.
Enlargement of one or both testicles
Another early warning sign of testicular cancer is enlargement of one or both testicles. Once a man reaches adulthood, there is no reason for their testicles to grow larger, and any growth is usually a sign of a problem.
Now, it is common for one testicle to be slightly bigger than the other. However, if there is a noticeable difference that was not there before, it could be a sign of testicular cancer.
This means that you need to get checked as soon as possible in order to find out what’s causing the growth of your testicles.
Pain or discomfort in the scrotum
Another common sign of early testicular cancer is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the scrotum.
This can happen along with some swelling, but it is also possible to experience some pain and discomfort without swelling.
This usually happens as a result of tumor growth inside the testicles, which causes pain and discomfort. It can sometimes be painful to even touch the testicle.
If you experience this symptom, it would be best to get it checked by a doctor.
Pain in your scrotum should never be ignored since it could probably be a sign of testicular cancer.
What Are the Signs of a Healthy Prostate?
A dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen
If you experience a dull ache in your lower belly, groin area, scrotum, or even your anus, then…, then it is one of the early signs of testicular cancer.
This dull ache or pain results from the growth of a tumor or cancer cells in the testicles.
Pain or ache in the groin or lower abdomen is especially worrisome if you do not have a history of kidney problems, or the pain just appears suddenly.
If you experience this symptom, it would be a good idea to get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain can sometimes be a symptom of early testicular cancer. Specifically, this symptom arises once the cancer in the testicles has spread to the lymph nodes in the back of the belly.
However, lower back pain can also be a sign of kidney stones, or other similar health problems. Regardless of whatever it could be, getting it checked should be a top priority. Any unexplainable or sudden pain that you experience should always be a cause for concern.
The Most Common Kidney Problems in the Philippines
Heaviness in the scrotum
Heaviness in the scrotum is another sign of early testicular cancer. This feeling of heaviness results from the growth of cancer cells inside the scrotum.
This symptom can sometimes appear alongside pain or enlargement of the testicles. So if you experience any combination of those symptoms, it would be ideal to get it looked at by your doctor.
Increase in firmness of one testicle
Lastly, you might notice that one testicle feels firmer than the other. This is not normal, and is usually a sign of an abnormal growth in the testicles.
Getting it checked early on can help identify if it is indeed cancer, so that you can seek immediate treatment before it spreads or gets worse.
What can men do about testicular cancer?
While there is no way to prevent testicular cancer, there are some steps that you can take that can lower your risk. Here are some of those steps:
- If you have a family history of testicular cancer, it is important to pay attention to any peculiar symptoms. Testicular cancer can be hereditary, which means that if a close relative has testicular cancer, you might possibly acquire it as well.
- Be sure to check your testicles regularly for any lumps, soreness, or any sudden changes. Detecting testicular cancer early on helps lower the risk that it would spread throughout the body.
- Eat healthy foods. Foods rich in antioxidants can help lower your risk of cancer. Try to eat green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.
- Having an undescended testicle also increases a person’s risk of testicular cancer. So if you have this condition, it would be best to be more careful and check your testicles often to see if there are any problems.
Finally, men who detect a lump in their testicle should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Learn more about men’s health, here.
