April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Though relatively rare, testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in men between 15 to 35 years old.
According to an estimate from the American Cancer Society, roughly 9,310 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2018, which breaks down to about 1 in every 250 males. Because testicular cancer usually can be treated successfully, a man’s lifetime risk of dying from this cancer is very low; however, around 400 diagnosed cases may result in death. Knowing the signs of testicular cancer will help with early detection of the disease, so what are the symptoms?
Recognizing Testicular Cancer Signs
Since early detection is vital, we highly recommend a monthly self-examination. These are most easily performed in a warm shower. The primary symptoms to look for include:
- A lump or enlargement in either testicle
- A heavy feeling in the scrotum
- A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
What To Do If You Display Testicular Cancer Symptoms
Keep in mind that though it may be frightening to discover any of these signs, sometimes these symptoms can be caused by other problems, such as hydrocele. Also note that not all lumps on the testicles are tumors, and not all tumors are malignant (cancerous). That said, if you discover any of these signs, the best thing to do is contact our office right away for a consultation.
Help Raise Awareness
Help spread this life-saving information during Testicular Cancer Awareness Month by sharing with your friends and family.
