Testicular Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Seminomas and nonseminomas differ in some treatment and follow-up choices. Type, stage and blood markers guide care; feeling the size of a lump cannot establish prognosis.

Related reading: Hydrocele: another cause of scrotal swelling.

A firm area, lump, scrotal heaviness or changed testicular size may occur, sometimes with pain. Benign conditions can cause similar symptoms, so examination is needed rather than self-diagnosis.

Cellular changes lead to uncontrolled growth, although the direct cause is often unclear. A risk factor does not make cancer inevitable, and having none does not exclude it.

An undescended testicle, personal or family history of testicular cancer and some developmental testicular abnormalities increase risk. Disease can occur without recognized risks, so symptoms still matter.

Evaluation uses examination, ultrasound and tumor markers, followed by staging investigations. Strongly suspected cancer is usually assessed through removal via a groin incision; biopsy through scrotal skin is not the usual approach.

Surgery may be followed by scheduled surveillance, chemotherapy or selected radiotherapy according to type and stage. Discuss sperm preservation before treatment. Not every patient needs all these interventions.

Untreated cancer may spread. Some treatments affect fertility, and follow-up addresses recovery, late effects, recurrence and psychological support.

There is no guaranteed preventive method. Report new changes and follow any post-treatment surveillance plan. Self-examination cannot replace clinical assessment of a lump.