Testicular Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Testicular cancer develops in the testes, two male reproductive glands in the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone. Most testicular tumors arise in the sperm-producing germ cells. While the exact cause is unknown, certain factors—such as an undescended testicle and a family history of testicular cancer—can increase the risk.

Overall, testicular cancer is relatively rare, accounting for approximately 1% of cancers in men, although it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in young men ages 15 to 35. When detected early, it is highly treatable. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or clinical trials.

It’s important for a man to document what things feel like when they’re normal; that will help them realize when something is abnormal. Testicular cancer can start with a gradual onset of a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the involved testicle.

Wade Sexton, MD

What are the signs of testicular cancer in boys?

In young men and boys, signs of testicular cancer can include:

• A painless lump or swelling in one testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• Breast tenderness or growth due to hormonal changes caused by the tumor

Early detection of testicular cancer is the key to achieving the best possible outcome and quality of life, so any unusual changes should be promptly discussed with a physician.

What are the early warning signs of testicular cancer?

The first sign of testicular cancer is usually a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. A man or boy may notice the lump during a self-examination, or it may be discovered incidentally during a medical checkup. Early on, testicular cancer lumps are usually painless, which can delay detection if regular self-exams are not performed.

What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?

As a testicular tumor progresses, it may begin to produce other symptoms that can be felt or seen.

What does testicular cancer feel like?

Testicular cancer may feel like a hard, painless lump or swelling in a testicle. The lump may be approximately the size of a pea or slightly larger. Other symptoms that can be felt include:

• Aching pain or a sensation of heaviness in the scrotum
• Breast tenderness
• A feeling of pressure in the abdomen, lower back or groin
• Headaches
• Mental confusion

Although early-stage testicular tumors are usually not painful, any persistent change in the size, shape or texture of a testicle should be evaluated by a physician.

What does testicular cancer look like?

Testicular cancer may cause visible changes, such as:

• A lump that can be seen in the testicle
• Enlargement or an uneven appearance of the affected testicle
• Swelling in the scrotum due to fluid buildup

Because many early changes caused by testicular cancer are internal, they may not be noticeable, which further underscores the importance of performing regular self-exams.

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What are the symptoms of advanced testicular cancer?

If left untreated, testicular cancer can spread to other parts of the body and cause symptoms beyond the affected testicle. Possible signs of advanced testicular cancer include:

• Lower back and abdominal pain
• Chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing
• Leg swelling
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness and enlargement

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The multispecialty team in Moffitt’s renowned Urologic Oncology Program focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating testicular cancer and other genitourinary tumors. If you would like to discuss your symptoms with a specialist at Moffitt, you can request an appointment by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.