An Introduction to Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer can result in swollen or painful testicles. Testicular cancer is, however, quite rare: only 7,000 cases are reported annually in the United States. Painful testicles are more likely the result of noncancerous conditions. Testicular cancer has a high overall cure rate of 90 percent.

Men can develop testicle cancer at any age, including during childhood. The majority of cases are diagnosed between the ages of thirty and forty. After forty the incidence rate of testicular cancer begins to drop.

Testicular cancer symptoms may include swelling of one of the testicles. Potential testicular tumors may be detected as lumps on the surface of the testicles. A painful testicle is possible, but in its early stages testicular cancer is often painless.

Many cases of testicular cancer are detected by men during monthly self-examinations. By checking the testicles for lumps, swelling, or changes in consistency every month, men learn the normal shape, size, and weight of their testicles. Changes to the testicles should always be reported to a doctor.

A testicle self-examination, or TSE, only takes a few minutes each month, and should be a regular part of every man's health care. Learn how to examine your testicles for abnormal changes using the TSE.

Surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred treatment for cancer of the testicles. This usually means that the entire testicle is removed: an emotional as well as physical loss for most men. Sexual intercourse and reproduction can continue to function normally with the surviving testicle.

In addition to surgery, testicular cancer may be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy and radiation are usually used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Cancer of the testicles produces symptoms that most men would not associate with testicular cancer, including fatigue and lower back pain. Find out more information at Testicular Cancer Symptoms.