Testicular cancer has several distinct features when compared with other cancers:
- It has an unusual age-distribution, occurring most commonly in young and middle-aged men.
- Its incidence is rising, particularly in white Caucasian populations throughout the world, for reasons as yet unknown.
- Testicular cancer is curable in the majority of cases.
Incidence of Testicular Cancer
In the UK, around half of all testicular cancer cases occur in men under 35 years and over 90% occur in men under 55 years. Testicular cancer rarely occurs before puberty but it is the most common cancer in men aged 15–44 years. Incidence rates peak at around 17 per 100,000 in the 25–34 age group.
What is Testicular Self Examination?
Testicular Self Examination (TSE) is an examination to detect changes in the feel and appearance of the testicles which can occur during the early stage of testicular cancer.
Why TSE?
TSE can help identify testicular cancer at an early stage when it is highly treatable. TSE is an important health routine to adopt, though not a substitute for a doctor's examination.
How to do a TSE?
TSE should be preformed regularly (preferably once a month) to allow familiarity with the normal anatomy. The examination is best done during or after a warm bath/shower in a standing posture. The heat relaxes the scrotal skin, making it easier to detect anything unusual.
- Gently feel the scrotal sac to locate a testicle.
- Support the scrotum in the palm of the hand to note the size of the testicle. It is common to have one testicle slightly larger or hang lower than the other. But any noticeable increase in size may indicate that something is wrong.
- Examine each testicle with both hands. Gently roll the testicle between the thumb and fingers using both hands. Normally, testicles have a smooth, firm and slightly compressible surface. Check for any lumps, swellings and any changes in the firmness.
DO NOT mistake the epididymis for an unusual lump. It is the large irregular structure which stores and transports sperms. The epididymis lies along the top and back of the testicle and can be readily separated from the testicle in a warm bath/shower. Please have a check-up with your doctor as soon as possible if there are any of the following warning signs:
- Small, hard and painless lump
- Dull ache
- Increase in size or swelling of the testicle/scrotum
- One testicle feels heavier than the other
Testicular cancer is almost always curable with early detection and treatment. Early detection is the key, so do self examination regularly.
Source: Dr Cary Chan, Matilda International Hospital
Updated: 2 December 2009
