Testicular Cancer Detection
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom is having a lump on the testicle, which happens in 9 out of 10 cases. This lump is normally painless however can be uncomfortable. A teen with testicular cancer frequently feel aching or heaviness in the stomach or scrotum area. The following are the common symptoms to watch for:
- Added weight in your scrotum
- A weird lump on your poor testicle
- A strange swelling of your poor testicle
- A change of the hardness of your testicle
- An ache in your lower abdomen, testicle or scrotum
These symptoms are not positive signs of testicular cancer, but if these last longer than two weeks, contact your doctor.
Self Exam
As a teen, it is very important to be familiar with your body. A perfect way to become familiar with your lower body is by performing a monthly testicle self exam. It can be very uncomfortable the first couple of time you perform the self exam but don’t worry it’ll grow into something natural. If you have the risk factors that increase the chance if developing testicular cancer (Cryptorchidism, family history, other testicle with cancer, or body size), it is highly recommended that you do the month exam.
The testicular cancer self exam is very simple, takes less then 5 minutes, and can be done in privet.
Performing the self exam…
After a warm soothing shower or bath, you can simply do the self exam. This occasion is ideal because the warm water, allows you to have an easier time finding any abnormal lump, relaxes your scrotum. You can do the self exam with 2 simple steps.
- Place your index finger and thumb on your testicle and gently roll your testicle between them while standing upright.
- Feel and look for any abnormal lumps (smooth rounded masses).
It is that simple and seeing that you only have to do it once a month, why not?
WARNING! If your self exam takes longer then 5 minutes, STOP! You are enjoying it too much.
Found a Lump?
If you find a lump attached your testicle, don’t panic. You still only have a 1 out of 300 chance of it being testicular cancer. The lump can be caused by different conditions, such as:
- Hernia
- Testicle injury
- Hydrocele
- Orchitis
Also keep in mind; if the lump is unattached to the testicle, it is more then likely not testicular cancer.