Lump on Testicle

So as I was saying, having a lump on testicles may be indicative of the development of testicular cancer, which commonly affects one testicle. Although rare when compared to other forms of cancer, it is also known to be a common issue in males between the age of 15 and 34, in the United States. One good thing about this condition is, the prognosis for the treatment is brighter than other cancer treatment. Here, even if the cancer has spread beyond the testicular area, it can still be treated. Doctors advise that all males must self-check the area once they have reached puberty or the age of 15. So in the description below, I would be providing you with some easy tips on how to conduct a proper testicle self-check examination. This would be followed by some important info on testicular cancer.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Check Exam

The instructions have been detailed as follows:

• First you would have to take a hot shower. The heat helps in making the testicles relaxed thus, making it easier for you to detect anything abnormal.
• Ensure that you have a mirror where you can view your full self.
• Also chose a location where the light is falling onto you and not the mirror.
• Now hold one of your testes in a way that you are cupping it with your fingers, while your thumb lies on top of it.
• Now using your fingers, feel all over the testicle with extreme delicacy. Do this for about a minute and try finding any kind of soft or hard lump.
• It is also essential that you observe while you are checking for any lumps. At times you may not feel even if there is any lump, but you may see it.
• Repeat the steps with your other testes
• Do this test on a regular basis, as it would help you get more familiar with the glands thus, making it easier for you to detect any changes.

Symptoms

So these were a few steps you must perform to check for the presence of any lumps. Also, note that a testicle lump that does not hurt could also be a sign of cancer. However, even if you have detected a lump that does hurt, you are required to make an appointment with a doctor. Now, if the lump is accompanied by other symptoms like enlargement in either testicle, the scrotum feels heavy or there is a dull ache in the abdomen or groin, then you may have enough reasons to be concerned about. Other symptoms of testicular cancer include are breast enlargement or tenderness, abnormal fatigue, and sometimes, a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.

Treatment

Factors which influence the nature of treatment include the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the sufferer and the type of the condition. Primary treatment involves the surgical removal of the gland. Post surgery there could be follow-up treatment as well. Then there is radiation therapy to treat what is known as seminoma type of testicular cancer. This process is for killing the cancer cells. Now, if there lurks a risk of the cancer cells to travel throughout the body to affect other parts, then patients may have to opt for chemotherapy. This medical procedure makes use of drugs. Also it is recommended post surgery so as to eliminate the risk of any other cancer cells that have bypassed the surgery.

There is no true way to prevent the onset of testicular cancer. However, as mentioned above, performing monthly self-exam for identifying any testicle lumps, and noticing other symptoms accompanying it, may help in early diagnosis of the disease, early treatment thus, better prognosis.