TESTICULAR CANCER

The American Cancer Society estimates 7,920 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in American men in 2007. The prognosis for survival is usually very good with 96% of those men diagnosed in any year alive five years later.

Screening for cancer involves examining people for early stages in the development of the disease even though there are no apparent symptoms.

A doctor should be seen if there is any swelling in the scrotum. The doctor will examine the testicles and feel for any lumps. If the scrotum doesn’t feel normal, the doctor may need to do an ultrasound examination, which uses sound waves to make a picture of the inside of the testes. The doctor may need to cut out the testicle and look at it under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. It is very important that this be done correctly.

Testicle Self Exam

Check yourself right after a hot shower. The scrotal skin is then relaxed and soft.

Become familiar with the normal size, shape and weight of your testicles. One testicle may be lower than the other, and one may be slightly larger. This is normal.

Using both hands, gently roll each testicle between your fingers. Identify the epididymis, a rope-like structure on the top and back of each testicle. This structure is not an abnormal lump.

Be on the alert for a tiny lump under the skin, in the front or along the sides of either testicle. A lump may remind you of a kernel of uncooked rice or a small, hard pea.

Report any swellings or lumps to your doctor..