![What Does the Lump Feel Like in Testicular Cancer](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/testicular-pain.jpg?output-quality=75)
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump in the testicle that exhibits the following characteristics:
- Painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles
- Hard lump with the entire testicle feeling firmer than usual
Other signs of testicular cancer include:
- Heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache or pressure in the groin, abdomen, or lower back
- Headache and confusion
- General feeling of malaise, accompanied by:
- Unexplained fatigue
- Sweating
- Fever
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Mild chest pain
In boys, testicular cancer can cause early signs of puberty, such as:
- Accelerated voice deepening
- Growth of facial and body hair
What are the symptoms of advanced testicular cancer?
If testicular cancer goes undetected, it can spread to other parts of the body. While some men may not notice any symptoms even with advanced testicular cancer, others may experience the following symptoms:
- Low back pain: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes behind the abdomen.
- Shortness of breath or cough: Cancer has spread to the lungs.
- Abdominal pain: Cancer has spread to the liver.
- Headaches or confusion: Cancer has spread to the brain.
What are other causes of a lump in the testicle?
Not all lumps in testicles are a sign of testicular cancer. Benign causes may include:
- Torsion: When one testicle gets twisted inside the scrotum, it can cause a loss of blood supply to the area and result in severe pain, swelling, and redness in the scrotum. This condition is common in young boys. Torsion is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Surgery is necessary to untwist the testicle and restore the blood supply. Untreated torsion can cause the death of a testicle.
- Injury: Physical injury to the testicle or scrotum can cause immediate pain that slowly worsens and swelling. The scrotum may get filled with blood, leading to a condition called hematocele. The problem may resolve on its own; however, treatment may be required to stop the bleeding.
- Infection: Bacteria or viruses can cause infection in the scrotum.
- Epididymitis: Condition in which the epididymis (coiled tube located next to each testicle that stores sperm) gets inflamed due to sexually transmitted infection or other types of infections. Epididymitis can cause:
- Fever
- Milky discharge from the penis
- Pain when urinating
- Pain and swelling on one side of the scrotum
- Orchitis: Condition that causes the testicles to get inflamed, leading to painful swelling in one or both testicles. Bacteria or the mumps virus can cause orchitis.
- Epididymitis: Condition in which the epididymis (coiled tube located next to each testicle that stores sperm) gets inflamed due to sexually transmitted infection or other types of infections. Epididymitis can cause:
- Hydrocele: This occurs when fluid surrounds the testicles and enlarges them, which does not cause pain unless the hydrocele grows extremely large. Hydroceles are usually harmless and rarely need to be treated.
- Varicocele: This occurs when the vein in the scrotum dilates, causing swelling and lumpiness around the testicle. Varicoceles are usually painless but can cause a heavy feeling in the scrotum. They do not require treatment as they tend to resolve on their own.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/skin_cancer_s1_warning_signs.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See SlideshowMedically Reviewed on 12/9/2021
References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/6072.00.pdf
https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/6072.00.pdf
Complete List
Top What Does the Lump Feel Like in Testicular Cancer Related Articles
Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.Do Testicular Cysts Go Away?
Most testicular cysts go away on their own with rest and scrotal support. However, if the cyst is enlarged or becomes infected, they may require surgical intervention.Cancer: Guide to Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers for men ages 15 to 35, but it's very treatable. WebMD explains when to see your doctor, what raises your odds of having it, and what treatments you can get.Hydrocele
Hydrocele is a collection of clear fluid in a thin-walled sack that also contains the testicle. Hydroceles are more common in males than females. There are two types of hydroceles: 1) communicating and 2) non-communicating. Hydroceles present at birth may resolve on their own. Hydroceles that appear in the teen or adult years may require surgery.What Is Usually the First Sign of Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is cancer that is mostly seen in young men. It can show different symptoms in different people. However, the most commonly reported symptom of testicular cancer is ‘a lump in the testis.’What Is Usually the First Symptom of Testicular Cancer?
The first signs and symptoms of testicular cancer are a painless lump in the testicular area, unusual firmness in the affected testis or dull aching in the scrotum or the groin.What Are the Five Warning Signs of Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer arises from the testes (a part of the male reproductive system). The testicles are responsible for the production of male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Warning signs of testicular cancer include a testicular lump, aching in the groin, swelling, back pain, and infection.