A person may have the following signs and symptoms of testicular cancer:
Testicular cancer signs and symptoms
Painless lump, swelling, or heaviness in the scrotum
Hardness in the testicle
Any enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels
Testicular pain or discomfort
A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back, or groin
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions besides cancer, such as an infection or cyst. These symptoms should not be ignored. It is important to talk to a doctor to find out if an exam and tests are needed.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer
Although there is no known cause, several factors are known to raise a man’s risk of testicular cancer. These are:
Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). Normally, the testicles descend from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth. The risk of testicular cancer increases in the testicle that has not descended. This risk does not change even if this is corrected by surgery.
Congenital abnormalities. Men born with abnormalities involving the penis, testicles, or kidneys, as well as those who have a hernia in the groin area, may be at increased risk.
Family history. Having a brother or father who had testicular cancer increases the risk.
History of testicular cancer. Men diagnosed with cancer in one testicle are at increased risk of developing the disease in the other testicle.
Race/ethnicity. In the United States, testicular cancer is much more common in Caucasians than in other ethnic groups, with rates highest among men of Scandinavian descent. For reasons that are not clear, the number of testicular cancer cases has doubled among Caucasian men in the last four decades.
For the majority of men diagnosed with testicular cancer, there are no known risk factors.
Testicular Cancer Webinar
On Thursday, Feb 7, 1:00 PM, PST: Mark S. Litwin, MD, MPH, chair of Urology at UCLA, presented a free, live-streaming webinar to discuss testicular cancer. View a Patient Story » | What is Testicular Cancer? »
Our Testicular Cancer Mission is You
Patient Story > Mark S. Litwin, M.D., M.PH., Chief of Urology at UCLA, and Testicular Cancer Survivor, Jonathan Sommers, speak to Fox 11 News about testicular cancer symptoms and how to check for testicular cancer.
Meet Our Doctors > The Department of Urology at UCLA is one of the most progressive and comprehensive urology programs in the country. Our faculty members work side by side with research scientists for new cures and treatments for testicular cancer cancer.
Make An Appointment > Our goal is to provide you with fast, easy access to the physicians and services at UCLA. For assistance in determining which UCLA urologist(s) may have expertise to help you, please call the Urology Appointment phone number: (310) 794-7700
