Let’s Talk About Testicular Cancer – The Most Common Cancer in Males Under 45
James Grant, M.D.
| 3 min read
James D. Grant, M.D., is executive vice president an...
Key Takeaways
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men under 45 and is highly curable, with a cure rate above 90% and a five‑year survival rate exceeding 95% when detected early.
- Monthly self‑exams after a warm shower can help spot lumps, swelling or pain; any change that persists for more than two weeks should prompt a visit to a primary care provider.
- Diagnosis uses blood‑marker tests, ultrasound and CT scans; treatment typically begins with surgical removal of the affected testicle, with chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy added if the cancer has spread.
Young men may be hesitant to talk about testicular cancer, but understanding this type of cancer is more important than ever. That’s because testicular cancer is one of the top cancers in young males today – and knowing the signs and symptoms is the first step toward diagnosis and successful treatment.
Testicular cancer is highly curable, particularly when identified early and promptly treated. According to the National Institutes of Health, testicular cancer has a greater than 90% cure rate and greater than 95% five-year survival rate when effectively managed.
Self-exams are helpful to early detection
Often, the first indication of testicular cancer is a lump or bump on a testicle. It’s a good idea to perform a monthly self-examination to familiarize yourself with your body and help you notice any subtle changes.
It only takes a few minutes, and it’s best to do when the scrotum is relaxed after a warm shower or bath.
- While standing, check for any swelling on the scrotum.
- Examine each testicle with both hands. Hold the testicle and roll it gently but firmly between your fingers.
- Look and feel for any hard lumps or any change in the size, shape or consistency of your testicles.
- Be aware of any pain, dull soreness or heaviness.
Additional symptoms can include:
- A swollen testicle
- Sudden swelling in the scrotum
- A heavy feeling in the scrotum
- A dull, achy feeling in the groin, lower abdomen or back
- Testicular or scrotal pain or discomfort
- Tenderness in the breast tissue
If you notice a lump or any change in your testicle or any of the symptoms continue for more than two weeks, contact your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP will evaluate your symptoms and recommend next steps.
Diagnosing testicular cancer
There are a few blood and imaging tests that are used to diagnose testicular cancer. After a diagnosis is confirmed, you will likely have some additional tests to determine what type of cancer and what stage the cancer is in. Your treatment will be designed around that.
- Blood tests: Typically, blood tests look for the presence of certain proteins in your blood that can indicate cancer. The test results offer a clue that there is some change happening that requires further testing.
There is a newer blood test that can provide a more specific biomarker for testicular cancer. This is helpful in determining a treatment plan. The test is not yet widely available, but it does look promising for future use. - Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of your testicles and scrotum. Your doctor will be able to see if there is a lump, whether it is a hard or soft lump and where it is located.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan: This type of scan produces more detailed images of different organs and structures inside your body and helps your doctor see if the cancer has spread beyond your testicle to other parts of your body.
Treatment options
Your treatment plan will depend on the type of cancer you have, how fast it grows and whether it has spread beyond your testicle.
For most testicular cancers, the first option is surgical removal of the testicle. If the cancer has not spread beyond the testicle, surgery may be the only treatment required. If it’s possible that cancer has spread beyond the testicle, your doctor may recommend additional treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy.
Before any treatment, talk with your doctor about risks and side effects, including effects on your fertility and reproductive health.
Image: Getty Images
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