Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer happens when cancer cells develop in one or both testicles. It is a rare cancer, but it is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 34. The good news is that when testicular cancer is caught early, the survival rate is nearly 100 percent. Even when found at late stages, the survival rate is still 95 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute. 

While deaths from testicular cancer remain low, the number of men diagnosed with this disease has been increasing in recent decades. You may be at greater risk if you: 

• Have a family history of testicular cancer

• Have an abnormal or undescended testicle

• Have Klinefelter's syndrome (a genetic condition that results when a boy is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome. This may adversely affect testicular growth, resulting in smaller than normal testicles, which can lead to lower production of testosterone)

• Have testicular carcinoma in situ

A painless lump or swelling in the testicle is the most common symptom, and one that is most often found by men on their own. Other symptoms include: 

• Pain in the testicle or scrotum

• An ache in the groin or abdomen

• Fluid build-up in the scrotum

• Swelling in the testicle

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a self-exam after you get out of the bath or shower. Check one testicle at a time, rolling the testicle gently between your fingers and thumb. Feel for lumps, bumps, changes in size, or anything that seems out of the ordinary.