Testicular cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the testicles, or testes, which make sperm. The testicles are the two egg-shaped glands inside the scrotum, the sac of loose skin located directly below the penis.
It can develop at almost any age, but testicular cancer is most often diagnosed in young men at an average age of 33. It can be cured in most cases – even in advanced stages – with a five-year survival rate of about 95%.
Common among young men
Though rare overall, testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer among men ages 15 to 35, and the treatment can cause infertility. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 9,720 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2025, with 600 deaths projected.
Signs and symptoms include swelling or discomfort in the scrotum. For men with a family history of testicular cancer or a past testicular tumor, many doctors recommend monthly self-exams to check for possible signs. For men with no such risk factors, it’s unclear whether self-exams lower the chance of dying from this type of cancer.
How to perform the exam
It is best to perform this self-exam during or after a shower, when the skin around the scrotum is warm and relaxed. Here’s how:
- Using one hand to stabilize it, firmly but gently feel the entire surface of the testicle using the fingers and thumb of the other hand. Do this for both testicles.
- The testicles should feel firm but not rock-hard. If you feel any lumps, an enlarged testicle, or notice anything else that doesn’t seem normal, see a doctor right away. It is normal for one testicle to be lower than the other.
Click here to learn about testicular cancer care at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.