Testicular cancer

Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump or swelling in the testicle, a testicle getting bigger, or an ache or pain in the testicle or scrotum.

You might be more likely to get testicular cancer if you have or had undescended testicles, or if your father or brother had testicular cancer.

The main tests to check for testicular cancer are blood tests and an ultrasound scan of the testicles.

The main treatment for testicular cancer is surgery to remove the testicle. You may also have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

If you have testicular cancer, you can get support from your specialist team and charities like Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Testicular cancer usually only affects one testicle, but it can affect both.

Symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• a lump or swelling in your testicle
• your testicle getting bigger
• an ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles)
• your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard

Other symptoms can include:

• an ache or pain in your back or lower tummy
• losing weight without trying
• a cough
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• a sore or swollen chest

It's important to check your testicles regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your testicles.

• you have a lump or swelling on one or both of your testicles
• one or both of your testicles are getting bigger
• your scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles) feels heavy, firm or hard
• you have an ache or pain in your scrotum or one or both of your testicles
• you notice a change in one of both of your testicles that is not normal for you

Testicular cancer mostly affects men aged 15 to 49. Anyone with testicles can get it.

It's not always clear what causes testicular cancer. You might be more likely to get it if:

• you have or had undescended testicles (when one or both testicles do not drop down into the usual place in the scrotum)
• your brother or father has had testicular cancer
• you've had testicular cancer before
• you have or had a condition called hypospadias where the hole that pee and sperm comes out of (urethra) is not at the tip of your penis
• you have HIV or AIDS
• you are from a white British background

If the GP refers you to a specialist, you may need more tests and scans to check for testicular cancer.

Tests you may have include:

• blood tests
• an ultrasound scan of your testicles

Testicular cancer is often treatable.

The treatment you have will depend on:

• the size and type of testicular cancer you have
• if it has spread
• your general health

It will usually include surgery to remove the testicle. This may be your only treatment or you may also have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Some treatments for testicular cancer can affect your fertility. Before you start treatment, you'll be offered the option to collect and store your sperm (called sperm banking).

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
• talk to you about the impact that treatment may have on your fertility

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment for testicular cancer by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about testicular cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: online community
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309
• Marie Curie: support services

Orchid

Information and support for anyone affected by testicular cancer, as well as penile and prostate cancer.

• Website: www.orchid-cancer.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 802 0010
• Orchid: testicular cancer support

Testicular Cancer UK

Information and support for anyone affected by testicular cancer.

• Website: www.testicularcanceruk.com
• Testicular Cancer UK: support group