Testicle

The testes normally differ slightly in size or shape or position, but if one becomes larger or heavier, a doctor's adviceshould be sought, to make sure that it is not malignant. The main symptom of cancer of the testicle is a slowly growing, usually painless lump, and unless this is treated at an early stage by surgical removal of the affected testis the cancer cells can spread to the rest of the body. Since the disease is unlikely to spread to the other testis, this is normally left intact and potency and fertility are not affected.

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump, irregularity or swelling in one testicle. Other symptoms that may be present are:

• a pulling sensation or feeling of unusual heaviness in the scrotum
• a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen
• pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
• tenderness or enlargement of tissue in the breast area
• a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.

Treatment

Usually the testicle will descend into the scrotum without any intervention during the first year of life. If this does not occur, hormonal injections may be given in an attempt to stimulate movement of the testicle into the scrotum.

Surgery is the definitive therapy. The trend in literature favors earlier surgery to prevent irreversible damage to the testis, which may cause infertility.