How to Do a Testicular Self Examination:

For men over the age of 14, a monthly self-exams of the testicles is an effective way of becoming familiar with this area of the body and thus enabling the detection of testicular cancer at an early -- and very curable -- stage.

The testicular self exam is best performed after a warm bath or shower.
(Heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to spot anything abnormal)

The TCRC recommends following these steps every month (keep in mind that the point is not to find something wrong, it is to learn what everything feels like so that you will know if something changes):

• Stand in front of a mirror. Check for any swelling on the scrotal skin.
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• Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top.
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• Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers -- you shouldn't feel any pain when doing the exam. Don't be alarmed if one testicle seems slightlylarger than the other, that's normal.
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• Find the epididymis, the soft, tubelike structure behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. If you are familiar with this structure, you won't mistake it for a suspicious lump. Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle but can also show up on the front. Lumps on the epididymis are not cancerous.
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• If you find a lump on your testicle, see a doctor, preferably a urologist, right away. The abnormality may not be cancer, it may just be an infection. But if it is testicular cancer, it will spread if it is not stopped by treatment. Waiting and hoping will not fix anything. Please note that free floating lumps in the scrotum that are not attached in any way to a testicle are not testicular cancer. When in doubt, get it checked out - if only for peace of mind!

Other signs of testicular cancer to keep in mind are:

• Any enlargement of a testicle
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• A significant loss of size in one of the testicles
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• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
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• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
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• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
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• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
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• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

I hesitate to mention the following list, since anything out of the ordinary down there should prompt a visit to the doctor, but you should be aware that the following symptoms are not normally signs of testicular cancer:

• A pimple, ingrown hair or rash on the scrotal skin
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• A free floating lump in the scrotum, seemingly not attached to anything
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• A lump on the epidiymis or tubes coming from the testicle that kind of feels like a third testicle
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• Pain or burning during urination
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• Blood in the urine or semen

*** Remember, only a physician can make a positive diagnosis ***

For that matter, only a physician can make a negative diagnosis too. If you think something feels strange, go see the doctor!

Finally, embarassment is a poor excuse for not having any problem examined by a doctor. If you think there is something wrong or something has changed, please see your doctor!

Source : The Testicular Cancer Resource Center

Testicular Cancer

Two athletes have put testicular cancer in the news this week.

Eric Shanteau, 24, went to the Olympics after finding out he had testicular cancer in June. He didn't qualify for the finals, but he did swim a personal best. Shortly after he returned home, Eric had the definitive surgery at Emory University Hospital. At this time, he does not need further treatment.

Lance Armstrong, perhaps the most famous testicular cancer survivor, announced this week that he will return to professional cycling. Armstrong was treated for testicular cancer in 1996. His cancer had spread to his lungs and brain. He had two surgeries. In the first, the cancerous testicle was removed and in the second, two brain lesions were removed. He then had four rounds of chemotherapy.

How common is testicular cancer?

It's the most common cancer in men between 15 and 35 years of age. There are about 8,000 new cases every year in the United States. The cure rate is at least 90 percent. It's higher if the cancer is limited to the testicle and lower if it has spread.

How is it detected?

Most often, it's detected by self-examination of the testicles. Any new lump or change should be checked by a physician.

What's the treatment?

The basic treatment is removal of the involved testicle. If cancer is limited to the testicle, this is Stage I and no further treatment may be needed. Stage II means the cancer has spread to the abdominal lymph nodes. Stage III, it's spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is most often used to combat the spread with radiation reserved for certain cancers.

Is fertility retained with treatment?

It may not be if extensive treatment is needed. If removal of the involved testicle is all that is needed, fertility is most often left intact. Some chemotherapy results in infertility.

How is testicular cancer prevented?

It's not preventable, but if it's discovered early, the cure rate approaches 100 percent.Regular examination of the testicles is key. Experts recommend monthly exams after a warm shower. Bring any new lumps to the attention of your doctor immediately.

Source : NBC5 - Heath by Dr Mary Ann Malloy