Testicular Cancer Symptoms
Testicular cancer usually shows no early symptoms. It is suspected when a mass is felt
in the testes, although a testicular mass does not necessarily mean cancer. It is
important for men to perform periodic examinations of their testes in order to detect any
mass at an early stage. In advanced cases, or metastatic testicular cancer, symptoms
include lower back pain and discomfort, difficulty in urinating, a cough, and breathing
difficulties. A feeling of heaviness in the testes is also common and there is sometimes
pain.
No cause for testicular cancer has been identified. Exposure of the fetus to certain
chemicals or an individual's exposure to environmental estrogens may cause changes in
cells that could lead to testicular cancer. As of yet, however, there is no conclusive
evidence to name a cause. Higher rates of testicular cancer occur in men with HIV
infection, suggesting that the two may also be related. Studies examining the relationship
of testicular trauma, such as may occur with bike riding, and the occurrence of testicular
cancer found that trauma does not contribute to testicular cancer.
Basic symptoms of Testicular Cancer
- Enlargement of a testicle or a change in the way it feels
- Lump or swelling in either testicle
- Dull ache in the back or lower abdomen
- Gynecomastia (excessive development of male breast tissue), this can also occur normally
in adolescent males, in whom it is not a symptom of testicular cancer
- Testicular discomfort/pain or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
Note: Testicular Cancer may have no symptoms
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