How to Check for Testicular Cancer
November 22, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Alexander Chehrazi-Raffle, M.D., assistant professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte
Like many other cancers, testicular cancer may be easier to treat if it is found early. Standard or routine screening tests are not available for diagnosing testicular cancer, but most doctors include an examination of the testicles as part of a routine checkup.
Between physicals, many doctors recommend men do a monthly self-exam after puberty to check the testicles for anything that feels unusual. The first symptom of testicular cancer is usually a lump or swelling in one or both testicles, though some patients never experience any early testicular cancer symptoms.
Doing self-exams on a regular basis may help adolescents and adult men get familiar with their body, understand what’s normal for them and recognize when they may want to speak to a doctor about anything unusual.
It may be helpful to understand what structures make up the testicles. Testicles are rounded glands suspended inside the scrotum (the sac of loose skin under the penis). Each testicle is held inside the scrotum with a spermatic cord, which holds the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm) and other vessels and nerves.
Testicular Self-Exam
The American Cancer Society recommends that men perform a testicular self-exam during or after a shower or bath when the scrotum (skin around the testicles) is soft, making it easier to feel around the surface of the testicles.
Follow these steps to examine the testicles:
- Stand and shift the penis out of the way.
- Hold one testicle with both hands.
- Roll the testicle gently around using thumbs and fingers to feel for lumps, a change in how hard or soft it usually is, or anything that feels unexpected in the shape or size of the testicle.
- Repeat this process for the other testicle.
- Look for anything abnormal on the loose skin of the scrotum.
After puberty, the testicles are usually a bit smaller than a golf ball. Keep in mind that it is normal for one testicle to hang lower than the other. It is also normal for one to be slightly larger than the other.
If a testicular lump or other abnormality is found, it does not necessarily mean testicular cancer is causing it. Other conditions may also cause swelling or lumps in the testicle. A doctor may recommend tests, such as an ultrasound, to look for a tumor or find the cause.
National Cancer Institute (2023, June 26). Testicular Cancer Screening (PDQ®) – Patient Version.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/patient/testicular-screening-pdqNational Cancer Institute. Anatomy of the Testis.
https://training.seer.cancer.gov/testicular/anatomy/American Cancer Society (2018, May 17). Can Testicular Cancer Be Found Early?
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/testicular-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html