According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer makes up only about 7,000 to 8,000 cases of reported cancer each year, but that number is growing. Testicular cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in the male testicles. The condition is normally diagnosed using a physical examination and the results of an imaging test such as an MRI or an ultrasound. Blood tests are also used. Treatment options include surgery to remove the affected testicle, or radiation therapy.
Hormone Levels
Testicular cancer can, on rare occasions, cause an increase in the hormone levels of the person who suffers from it. One of the symptoms of this increase in hormones is an increase in breast size, and a tenderness to the breasts. The breasts may develop a sensitivity to the touch, and there may be a painful feeling each time there is physical contact with the breasts.
Self-Examination
Doctors recommend that all men conduct a self-examination at least once a month to determine whether they may have testicular cancer. An examination of the testicles using the forefinger and thumb may reveal hard lumps on testicles, or it may reveal other abnormalities in the shape of the testicles. These are possible symptoms of testicular cancer and should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Pain
There can be pain associated with testicular cancer found in several areas of the lower body. The most obvious place that you would feel pain is in the testicles, or in the general area of the groin. However that pain may begin to spread to the lower abdominal region as well, and it could even reach up to the lower back. There may also be pain in the hips or any of the joints in the pelvic region.
Swelling
Swelling is also a common symptom of testicular cancer. As the condition develops there may be fluid collecting in the testicles or in the scrotum. This fluid will cause the testicles and scrotum to swell noticeably. In some cases this swelling could be accompanied by pain, and in other cases the swelling could be pain free.
Chest
Depending on how advanced the testicular cancer is, or how far it has spread, there may be symptoms in other parts of the body as well. You may begin to develop a persistent cough that does not seem to go away, and this could be accompanied by chest pains. You may also experience difficulty in catching your breath, and you may have occasional dizzy spells.
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