Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

Testicular cancer is a rare form of cancer, one in every 5,000 men. The disease can occur at any age, however 50% of patients are between the ages of 20 and 35. Fortunately, testicular cancer has a very high rate of diagnosis, with a success rate of 95. -99%. As with all cancers, early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Understanding risk factors and symptoms and having routine testicular exams are ways to detect disease early.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Testicular self-examination

1. 

   Recognize the symptoms. To be able to do an exact self-examination you must know what to look for in case of cancer. This self-test requires looking for the following symptoms:
   • Tumors in the testicles. The tumor does not have to be large or painful to see a doctor, as cancer cancers initially are as small as a pea or a rice grain.
   • Large bulging testicles. Can occur in one or both testicles. Note that it is normal for one side of the situation to sag slightly lower than or larger than the other. However, if one side is clearly larger or has an unusual shape or stiffness, you should seek medical attention.
   • Change in hardness or surface flatness. Has one testicle turned hard or has an abnormal lump? The healthy testicles have a completely flat surrounding surface. Note that the testicles connect to the vas deferens through a small flexible tube at the top called the epididymis. If you feel the tube while examining the testicles, don't worry, this is normal.

2. 

   
   
   Find a mirror and a private place. Choose a room that won't be disturbed, and find a mirror of the right size (hand-held if available). Bathroom mirror or full body mirror is quite suitable. Facilitating testicular abnormalities is an important part of self-examination, and you must remove all clothing underneath, including your underwear.

3. 

   
   
   Observe the skin condition. Stand in front of a mirror and examine the skin of the scrotum. Are there any protrusions of meat? Is there any swelling? Is there any position that changes color or is anything that seems out of the ordinary? Check all sides of the scrotum, including the back.

4. 

   
   
   Touch to find unusual places. Continue to stand and hold the scrotum in both hands, using your fingers to feel all over so that your fingers form a basket. Take the perfect side between the thumb and index finger of the same hand. Press gently to check the density and surface plane of the testicles, then gently roll the testicles between your thumb and index finger. Do the same with the other testicle with the other hand.
   • Conduct a relaxation check. Spend enough time examining the entire surface of each testicle.

5. 

   Schedule an annual examination. In addition to having a self-exam every month, you should schedule a test with your doctor at least once a year. Your doctor will examine your testicles along with other tests to check your general health. However, if you do find symptoms, you do not need to wait until your next routine checkup, but seek immediate medical attention. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Identifying risk factors

1. 

   You must have a clear understanding of what your risks are. Early detection is crucial for successful cancer treatment, so being aware of the risks will help you react faster when symptoms appear. Here is a list of risk factors that you should be aware of:
   • Family history of testicular cancer.
   • Hidden testicles (also known as ectopic testicles). In every four, three cases of testicular cancer occur in people with ectopic testicles.
   • Intubate germ cell tumor (IGCN). Often referred to as "carcinoma in situ" (CIS), IGCN occurs when cancer cells manifest as germ cells in the spermatogenesis tubes. IGCN and CIS are precursors to testicular cancer tumors, and in 90% of cases CIS is found to occur in the tissues surrounding the tumor.
   • Race. Research in the US shows that white men are more susceptible to testicular cancer than other human strains.
   • Diagnosis before. If you've been diagnosed with testicular cancer and cured, you have a higher risk for the other testicle.

2. 

   Understand that you are at risk does not necessarily mean you will get cancer. It has been found that controlling environmental risks such as diet and exercise, as well as avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol can prevent carcinogens from forming, the process of healthy cells. strongly converted to cancer cells.

3. 

   Talk to your doctor about preventive therapies. If you are at risk for testicular cancer, do not worry, as clinical trials are currently underway to expand the data on preventive therapy; however, several active drug preventive measures have been shown to prevent cancer from developing and / or recurring. Your doctor is the one to decide if this option is right for you. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Take action when symptoms appear

1. 

   See a doctor. During the self-examination of the testicles, if you notice unusual lumps, swelling, pain, stiffness, or any other warning signs, seek medical attention immediately. Although these symptoms do not guarantee that you have had testicular cancer, you should see your doctor for a thorough checkup with accurate results.
   • Tell your doctor about these symptoms during the appointment, which is information that will help them see them faster.

2. 

   Note all accompanying symptoms. If you find other symptoms affecting the testicles or any part of the body, make a list. Note down symptoms that are not related to testicular cancer. The additional information will help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis and develop the right treatment regimen for you. Some of the symptoms include:
   • Severe or painful sensation in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
   • Lower back pain, not related to muscle tension or injury.
   • Swollen breasts (rare).
   • Infertility. In rare cases, the patient does not show any symptoms except infertility.

3. 

   Keep calm and optimistic. Once you go to the doctor, you can rest assured. Remember that 95% of cases are completely curable, and early detection increases that rate to 99%. Additionally these symptoms could be due to another less serious cause, including:
   • A cyst in the epididymis (tube located at the top of the testicle) is also called the epididymis cyst.
   • Enlarged blood vessels in the testicles, also known as varicose veins.
   • Fluid build-up in the testicular membrane, also known as hydroceles.
   • A tear or perforation in the abdominal muscles, called a hernia.

4. 

   Seek medical attention. When you go to the hospital the doctor will do an exam similar to the one you do at home, and they will also ask about other symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor may look at other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or groin, to determine if cancer has spread. If they feel that something is out of the ordinary, then they will have additional tests to determine if there is a tumor. advertisement

Advice

• After a warm bath is a good time to check the testicles, when the scrotum dilates.
• Don't panic if you find any of the symptoms described above, as what you find may be completely normal, but take this opportunity to see your doctor for further examination.

Warning

• This article is not a substitute for a medical professional's advice. You must see your doctor periodically and ask a health professional to advise you more information about your condition, so that they can do all the necessary tests to determine the problem.

What you need

• A mirror