Testicular Cancer Early Detection

Early Detection and Prevention of Testicular Cancer

While there is currently no standardized screening exam for testicular cancer, monthly self-exams of the testicles and scrotum are important for you to perform to find any suspicious lumps or masses. Early detection of testicular cancer is vital for successful outcomes.

How to Perform a Self-Exam

The best time to perform a testicular self-exam is during a shower when you are relaxed. A self-exam will only take a few minutes and can be done as follows:

1. Using both hands, hold one testicle at a time between your thumbs and fingers.
2. Gently roll the testicle between your fingers, feeling for any hard lumps or rounded bumps.
3. Each time you perform the self-exam, make a mental note of any changes in size, shape or feel of your testicles.

One testicle is usually slightly larger than the other. Testicles also contain blood vessels and tubes that carry sperm. These vessels can feel like abnormal lumps at first so talk to your doctor if you have any questions on performing a self-exam.

Testicles can also become enlarged due to other conditions not associated with cancer, including hydroceles (build-up of excess fluid) or varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) or even injury. If you have any questions or concerns, please see your doctor.