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In testicular cancer, a lump may feel like painless swelling in one or both testicles or a hard lump that makes the entire testicle feel firmer than usual
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump in the testicle that exhibits the following characteristics:
- Painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles
- Hard lump with the entire testicle feeling firmer than usual
Other signs of testicular cancer include:
- Heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache or pressure in the groin, abdomen, or lower back
- Headache and confusion
- General feeling of malaise, accompanied by:
- Unexplained fatigue
- Sweating
- Fever
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Mild chest pain
In boys, testicular cancer can cause early signs of puberty, such as:
- Accelerated voice deepening
- Growth of facial and body hair
What are the symptoms of advanced testicular cancer?
If testicular cancer goes undetected, it can spread to other parts of the body. While some men may not notice any symptoms even with advanced testicular cancer, others may experience the following symptoms:
- Low back pain: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes behind the abdomen.
- Shortness of breath or cough: Cancer has spread to the lungs.
- Abdominal pain: Cancer has spread to the liver.
- Headaches or confusion: Cancer has spread to the brain.
What are other causes of a lump in the testicle?
Not all lumps in testicles are a sign of testicular cancer. Benign causes may include:
- Torsion: When one testicle gets twisted inside the scrotum, it can cause a loss of blood supply to the area and result in severe pain, swelling, and redness in the scrotum. This condition is common in young boys. Torsion is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Surgery is necessary to untwist the testicle and restore the blood supply. Untreated torsion can cause the death of a testicle.
- Injury: Physical injury to the testicle or scrotum can cause immediate pain that slowly worsens and swelling. The scrotum may get filled with blood, leading to a condition called hematocele. The problem may resolve on its own; however, treatment may be required to stop the bleeding.
- Infection: Bacteria or viruses can cause infection in the scrotum.
- Epididymitis: Condition in which the epididymis (coiled tube located next to each testicle that stores sperm) gets inflamed due to sexually transmitted infection or other types of infections. Epididymitis can cause:
- Fever
- Milky discharge from the penis
- Pain when urinating
- Pain and swelling on one side of the scrotum
- Orchitis: Condition that causes the testicles to get inflamed, leading to painful swelling in one or both testicles. Bacteria or the mumps virus can cause orchitis.
- Epididymitis: Condition in which the epididymis (coiled tube located next to each testicle that stores sperm) gets inflamed due to sexually transmitted infection or other types of infections. Epididymitis can cause:
- Hydrocele: This occurs when fluid surrounds the testicles and enlarges them, which does not cause pain unless the hydrocele grows extremely large. Hydroceles are usually harmless and rarely need to be treated.
- Varicocele: This occurs when the vein in the scrotum dilates, causing swelling and lumpiness around the testicle. Varicoceles are usually painless but can cause a heavy feeling in the scrotum. They do not require treatment as they tend to resolve on their own.
