Testicular cancer how does it feel

Try not to be embarrassed. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease. A lump or swelling in part of one testicle is the most common symptom of a testicular cancer. It can be as small as a pea, but may be much larger. Your doctor may shine a strong light through your scrotum.

This test is called transillumination. This is useful because:. It is usual for some men to have different size testicles. But see your doctor if the size changes, or you notice an unusual difference in size between one testicle and the other. Testicular cancer is not usually painful. But the first symptom for some men is a sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum. Sometimes testicular cancer cells can spread into lymph nodes at the back of the tummy abdomen. This can cause backache or a dull ache in the lower tummy.

Your doctor may call these lymph nodes the para aortic or retro peritoneal lymph nodes. Less often testicular cancer spreads into lymph nodes lower down, such as the pelvic lymph nodes. If testicular cancer has spread to lymph nodes in other parts of the body you might feel lumps there, such as around the collarbone or in the neck. Sometimes testicular cancer spreads to the lungs. It rarely spreads to other organs in the body.

If it has spread to the lungs you may have a cough or feel breathless. Existing patients can call Click here for a current list of insurances accepted at Moffitt. Moffit now offers Virtual Visits for patients. If you are eligible for a virtual appointment, our scheduling team will discuss this option further with you.

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Patient Appointment Center Hours: 7 a. Monday - Friday; 8 a. Here are the five most common signs to watch for: A painless lump, swelling or enlargement of one or both testes Pain or heaviness in the scrotum A dull ache or pressure in the groin, abdomen or low back A general feeling of malaise, including unexplained fatigue, fever, sweating, coughing, shortness of breath or mild chest pains Headache and confusion In boys, testicular cancer can also cause early signs of puberty, such as accelerated voice deepening and the growth of facial and body hair.

Androgen-producing tumors may not cause any symptoms in men, but in boys they can cause signs of puberty at an abnormally early age, such as a deepening voice and the growth of facial and body hair. Even if testicular cancer has spread to other parts of the body, many men might not have symptoms right away. But some men might have some of the following:. But if you have any of these signs or symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Lump or swelling in the testicle Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle becomes swollen or larger. Breast growth or soreness In rare cases, germ cell tumors can make breasts grow or become sore. Early puberty in boys Some Leydig cell tumors can make androgens male sex hormones.

Symptoms of advanced testicular cancer Even if testicular cancer has spread to other parts of the body, many men might not have symptoms right away.