Men's Health - Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is, overall, a relatively rare cancer but it is the most common solid cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 34. Rates of testicular cancer have been rising in recent decades for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, but treatment has also improved dramatically in recent decades. 

Overall Testicular Cancer cure rates are now over 95% so the outlook is actually very good for any man who is unlucky enough to develop testicular cancer. 

Although any man may develop this cancer at any age, factors that increase the risk of developing testicular cancer include:

• A family history of testicular cancer
• A history of an undescended testicle
• Male infertility
• Having had a hernia as a baby
• A rare genetic condition called Klinefelter’s syndrome
• and oddly, being tall. 

There is also an association with people who had a low birth weight when they were born, were part of a multiple birth (i.e. a twin or triplet), or whose parents were young when they were born. Vasectomy is not a risk factor for testicular cancer, nor is trauma to the scrotum although some men will first notice a lump when examining themselves after an injury. 

The finding of a lump on the testicle is by far the most common symptom of testicular cancer. 

Any man who has found a lump within the scrotum should see a doctor as soon as possible to exclude cancer. Although many of these lumps will turn out to be harmless conditions like cysts, cancer always needs to be checked for. Typically, the lump is not painful, in fact the affected testicle may be less sensitive than a normal, healthy testicle. Although some men may experience pain with cancer or feel a heavy or dragging sensation in the testicle, the presence of pain or swelling may also indicate other problems such as infection of the testicle for which you should also see a doctor. 

Because the presence of a lump is almost universal with testicular cancer, all men should regularly examine themselves for testicular lumps. It is usually advised to examine your testicles about once a month as over-checking can mean that you miss slowly developing changes. Self-examination is best done after a warm bath or shower when the skin of the scrotum is loose which allows the testicles to be felt more easily. 

1. Stand in front of the mirror. Examine one testicle at a time.
2. With one hand, pinch the scrotum between thumb and index finger just above the testicle to hold the testicle in place.
3. Between your fingers you should feel the spermatic cord which is the ropey structure that connects the testicle to the body.
4. With your other hand, roll the testicle between your thumb and fingers making sure you check both sides, the front, the back and the top.
5. Above and behind the testicle you will feel the epididymis which is the collection the tubes that carry semen.
6. Where this joins the testicle on the top of the testicle, towards the front, usually feels a bit firmer than the rest of the epididymis and may be a bit more tender.

Lumps may be as small as a grain of rice so, if you feel anything different to normal, you must see a doctor. 

Your doctor will also usually perform an examination to determine what might be the cause of the lump. There are many causes of swellings in the scrotum other than Testicular Cancer and your doctor will often have a good idea of the cause based on the examination.

Intimate examinations like testicular checks can feel quite daunting to go through as a patient, but most doctors will do examinations like these several times every day – they are completely routine and completely confidential so embarrassment shouldn’t stop you seeking help.

Normally an ultrasound scan will then be requested to see exactly what is happening. The ultrasound scan is the key diagnostic test and usually it is immediately clear after the scan whether there is testicular cancer or anything to worry about or not.

Sometimes blood tests are done when there is concern about testicular cancer. Some types of testicular cancer secrete the hormone alpha-fetoprotein (which is also associated with liver cancer) and some secrete the hormone beta-HCG (which is usually associated with pregnancy). However, negative blood test results do not exclude testicular cancer. Results may also be positive in some other conditions. 

If a cancer is identified on the scan, treatment is usually started very quickly. This can involve surgery and chemotherapy. As mentioned above, treatment is usually very successful.

One of the reasons that cure rates for testicular cancer are so high is that it is easy to detect. Unlike other cancers, such as a cancer in the bowel or the kidney, a lump on the testicle is easy to find and something that most men immediately recognize as abnormal. This means testicular cancer is often detected early and so are more easily dealt with. Of course, this relies on regular self-examination which is straightforward but potentially life saving. 

It's important for men, especially those aged 35 and over, to monitor their health more closely.

Diet, exercise and adequate sleep all play a major contribution.

In addition, taking a full body MOT health check will provide information of how the body is currently functioning. It will also identify any potential health issues, as well as providing reassurance about your health.

One Day Tests offer a wide range of MOT health checks for both men and women. Our suggested tests are listed below.

One Day Tests is a leading UK provider of private blood tests, offering over 160 different types of blood tests. Taking a test is simple. Choose between an easy to use finger prick test you can take in the comfort of your own home. Alternatively visit one of our local blood testing clinics to have your blood sample taken by one of our profession Phlebotomists.