Testicular Cancer: Signs and Symptoms

With the recent conclusion of the Tour de France, it is impossible to think about the greatest event in cycling without thinking about 7 time winner Lance Armstrong and his ability to overcome testicular cancer to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His courageous determination has brought about awareness to this cancer which afflicts an estimated 8,400 males in the United States each year.

Testicular cancer most commonly affects males in the prime of life between the ages of 20 and 39. It has a higher incidence in white males than black males, although the cause for this racial difference is unknown. The incidence in young black males has been increasing, however. Of the over 8000 men that get testicular cancer each year, about 400 of them will die. If caught early, however, testicular cancer has a cure rate of over 90%. Despite the high cure rate, testicular cancer is the number one cancer killer of males in their 20s and 30s. This is because other cancers in this age group is rare.

One risk factor is having an undescended testicle. Even after surgery to repair this defect, the increased risk remains. Congenital abnormalities of the urogenital tract including kidneys, testicles themselves, or the penis may also be at increased risk. Patients with Klinefelter’s syndrome which is a condition where a male has an extra X chromosome is also at increased risk. Anyone with a personal history of prior testicular cancer is at increased risk for cancer in the other testicle and anyone with a family history of testicular cancer is at increased risk as well.

Most testicular cancers are initially identified by the men themselves. If a man notices anything unusual, he should see his doctor right away. Some of these unusual signs and symptoms would include a lump or swelling in the testicle or the scrotum. This lump can either be painless or associated with pain. In more than 90% of men, the initial sign is a painless lump in the testicle. Sometimes the cancer is found on a routine investigation into the causes of infertility.

In addition, any sensation of fullness in the testicle or scrotum is also a cause for concern as is pain in the groin, abdomen, or back since this may mean that the cancer has spread to other locations in the body. The most common place for testicular cancer to spread is into the lymph nodes located in the back of the abdomen. This can result in low back pain as the initial complaint. All males complaining of low back pain should have a thorough physical examination including a testicular exam.

As mentioned, most testicular cancers are noticed by the men themselves.  It is recommended by the National Cancer Institute to perform a self examination each month and notifying your doctor if you suspect anything abnormal.

The key to a better chance of cure from any cancer is early detection.  By knowing the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer and by performing a monthly self exam, a man has a better chance of detecting the cancer early and being cured so he can go on and do great things like Lance Armstrong.