testicular cancer: keep your eye on the ball
Men can be very sensitive about their balls at the best of times. The idea of testicular cancer seems to be one that many men would prefer to ignore – according to research by NetDoctor.co.uk, about four out of five men in the UK don't bother to check themselves regularly for changes in their testicles. This is worrying because, if it's caught early, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable of all cancers.
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Testicular cancer is actually not very common, but it has been on the increase for the last 25 years or so. It's also more of a problem among younger men, causing more deaths in the 15-35 age group than any other type of cancer.
The good news is that over 95% of men who seek treatment in the early stages are cured. As with so many diseases, the crucial thing is to get treatment as early as possible. Get to know your testicles, examine them regularly, and if you notice a change see your doctor as soon as possible.
Our team of experts have dealt with quite a few questions about testicular cancer in the past – most from teenagers worried about lumps, bumps or pains in their balls. Check out what they had to say by following the links below:
- Kelvyn, aged 14, found a lump on one of his testicles. This is top of the list of signs to watch for.
- Persistent pain in one of the testicles is another symptom that shouldn't be ignored. 21-year-old Morgz has a pain that's been around for a while.
- 17-year-old Sean – along with a number of other young men – is worried that one of his testicles is bigger than the other. In fact, it's quite normal for the testicles to be different sizes, but in Sean's case there's a big difference and a visit to the doctor is in order.
- Greg, 16, found a small painful lump on his balls. Cancer lumps on the testicles are usually painless but, again, getting it checked out was the best advice we could offer.
- Several men, like Harry, 19, asked about a lump in the scrotum that is, in fact, perfectly normal. The epididymis is the thickened tube that carries the sperm into the penis and can be felt at the back and top of the testicle.
- Max, 26, had one of his testicles removed after cancer and feels that it is affecting his confidence and self-esteem.
- John, 13, was interested in the causes of testicular cancer.
- Not all of the questions on this subject come from men. Yvette, 32, asked about the long-term implications of the disease. She wanted to know whether her husband – successfully treated for testicular cancer – would still be able to father a baby.
Q: I found a lump on my ball. I was wondering if it may be testicular cancer. Please help!
Kelvyn, 14
our experts reply:
It's good that you have checked your balls. Most lumps turn out to be nothing to worry about, but any changes in your testicles should be checked out as soon as possible.
As you have noticed a change, it is important that you seek medical advice. Your doctor is used to advising young men on their sexual health, so please try not to be too embarrassed. There could be a variety of reasons for the lump you have found, for example a cyst or infection, but do make an appointment with your GP.
If you would like some more information about testicle problems, try this link: www.netdoctor.co.uk/….
Q: I am worried I may have testicular cancer. Over the past week I have had a slight pain in my left testicle. After reading some information on this I have noticed that in all cases the testicle is removed. Could you give me some more information?
Morgz, 21
our experts reply:
Any prolonged pain in the testicles, or unusual lumps and bumps, should be discussed with your doctor, They will be able to examine you and offer advice and appropriate treatments if necessary. Sometimes, if you haven't been used to examining yourself, you might find a lump that you had not been aware of, but this may be part of the normal anatomy of your testicles. The link below has some very good information on how to examine your testicles and what they should feel like: www.embarrassingproblems.co.uk/testicle.htm.
You will see on this site that they mention testicular cancer, which is a possibility with any unusual lumps or swellings in the testes. This is why it is important for you to consider an early appointment with your doctor.
If you don't want to go direct to your doctor, you could call NHS Direct for further advice. This is a confidential, 24-hour helpline staffed by medical professionals. The number is 0845 46 47.
There may be absolutely nothing to worry about – not all lumps in the testes are caused by cancer – but you should get it checked out.
Q: My right testicle is about twice the size as my left testicle. Could this be cancer or is it just normal?
Sean, 17
our experts reply:
You must be feeling quite worried about this. What I can tell you is that one testicle is often slightly larger than the other. Have you noticed whether your testicles have always been this size, or has this changed recently?
Unfortunately cancer is a possibility with any lump in the scrotum. However, most swellings in the scrotum turn out to be non-cancerous. It is important that all lumps in the scrotum are examined by a doctor. This may sound embarrassing but doctors deal will problems like this every day.
This website might be worth checking out. It's got information about what to look for when you examine your testicles: www.addenbrookes.org.uk/….
Q: I have a girlfriend, and we are both virgins. I think we are going to have sex some time soon. The problem is, I felt my balls and have felt a little lump on it and it hurts when I touch it. Do I have cancer? I am still young. I am too scared to go to the doctor's. Please help.
Greg, 16
our experts reply:
You sound very worried about this. As you have noticed a change, it is important that you seek medical advice. Your doctor is used to advising young men on their sexual health, so please try not to be too embarrassed.
There could be a variety of reasons for the lump you have found, for example a cyst or infection. Also, you don't say whether the lump is on the outside of scrotum, or actually on the testicle itself. It doesn't have to be cancer, but do make an appointment with your GP, especially if it is causing you discomfort.
If you would rather talk to someone before you visit your doctor, you could also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 and speak to a medical professional for more advice.
Q: Hi, in my testicles I can feel like, erm, a pipe running from one of my balls to inside me. Sometimes this swells up and the pipe gets thicker. What is this? Am I normal?
Harry, 19
our experts reply:
That small pipe you can feel is probably your epididymis and is a perfectly normal part of your balls. You are right, it is the pipe that carries the sperm into your penis.
At the bottom of the 'pipe' there is what feels like a clump of string – it may be that this is what you have felt when you say the pipe gets thicker. However, there is a small possibility that your epididymis is swelling because you have a small infection. This could be treated with tablets, but you do need to go to your doctors to get this checked out, and treated medically to prevent this from becoming a problem.
The following link will take you to a site with a good diagram of the inside of your scrotum. It's a site about cancer but don't let that worry you – it's just one of the clearest diagrams I could find: www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2674.
It is really good that you are examining your testicles; this is really important, as early detection of testicular cancer is vital. This is not to say that you have got any problems, but it is a really good thing to carry on doing. This link will give you a hands-on guide to self-examination: www.icr.ac.uk/everyman/about/testicular.html.
Q: I had one of my testicles removed three years ago due to cancer. The cancer was completely removed and I feel fine. However, it's affecting my confidence in asking women out, and possibly having sex, because I feel I'm 'less' than I should be as a male. Is it worth having surgery to gain a second testicle? I've never talked about this before.
Max, 26
our experts reply:
As long as your testicle is functioning properly – that is producing sperm – you are physically able to have sex normally and father children. Having one testicle does not mean you are less of a male. On a psychological level, however, you are struggling with a lack of confidence about asking women out.
Asking someone out can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone, but if you are feeling low about yourself it can sometimes feel impossible. This can be due to expecting the other person to be as judgemental of you as you are being of yourself. This is not necessarily going to be the case. Being yourself, open and honest is generally what attracts people to you. Making the effort to try and feel good about yourself as a whole person could make a big difference.
It sounds like you are focusing on just one part of your body and judging your whole self by it. Bodies are only one aspect of who we are as individuals, and it is often useful to try and focus on other aspects to get a more balanced view of who we are. Most people will be unhappy about some part of their body, but for some people this dissatisfaction can become the main focus for their self-belief.
One way of trying to improve a negative body image is to try and build up self-confidence. Doing a course to improve self-esteem may be useful. The following sites offer a free, online self-confidence course:
Speaking to your GP about what other options are available to you would also be advisable. Testicular prostheses – a silicon testicle – are available in some areas. Your doctor should be able to discuss this with you.
Q: How do you get testicular cancer?
John, 13
our experts reply:
Unfortunately, the causes of testicular cancer are not known for sure, but it is thought that it is more common in men if their testicles have not dropped properly by the time they have reached puberty. Genetics is another likely factor - a man whose father or brother has had testicular cancer is much likely to develop it themselves.
The following website has more information about the possible causes and other information about the disease: www.cancerbacup.org.uk/….
It's a good idea to examine your testicles regularly so that you get to know how they feel normally. That way you are more likely to notice any changes quickly. Testicular cancer treatments are very effective – particularly if the problem is picked up early. The following website explains clearly how to do this: www.embarrassingproblems.co.uk/….
Q: My husband had testicular cancer five years ago. He had one testicle removed. We are going to try for a baby. How will it affect us in trying to conceive?
Yvette, 32
our experts reply:
Because each testicle produces millions of sperm, the removal of one should not affect fertility – so long as the sperm count is normal and the sperm themselves are healthy.
In general, men who have treatment for testicular cancer and who are likely to want to have children some way down the line should have been given an opportunity to discuss this at the time of treatment. These days men are commonly offered the opportunity to have some of their semen frozen. If this didn't happen at the time, it may be that the surgery was very straightforward and the doctors didn't anticipate any future problems with fertility. If surgery is done to remove lymph nodes, there can be damage to nerves that control ejaculation. This can also cause problems with fertility, as could radiotherapy to his groin area following surgery.
If your husband simply had a testicle removed with no further treatment and has had no problems with erection and ejaculation since, it is likely that you will be able to conceive. A visit to your doctor will be able to confirm this, or recommend a suitable course of action if not.
help and info
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organisations
CancerBACUP
3 Bath Place
Rivington Street
London EC2A 3JR
Helpline: 0808 800 1234 or 020 7739 2280 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm)
Tel: 020 7696 9003 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm)
Website: www.cancerbacup.org.uk
Provides up-to-date information, advice and support to cancer patients, and their families and friends on all aspects of cancer and its treatment, and on the practical and emotional problems of living with the illness. The helpline, above, is staffed by specialist cancer nurses.
Macmillian Cancer Relief
89 Albert Embankment
London SE1 7UQ
Cancerline: 0808 808 2020 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)
Textphone: 0808 808 0121
E-mail: cancerline@macmillan.org.uk
Website: www.cancerlink.org
Contact the freephone Cancerline, staffed by people with experiences of cancer, for cancer information and support, details of local organisations, and relevant publications and other resources.Website has further information.
websites
BUPA
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/…
An informative factsheet from BUPA.
Cancer Research UK
www.cancerresearchuk.org/…
Information on testicular cancer including a list of risk factors.
Check-em
www.check-em.com
Aims to provide men with the information they need if they are concerned about their health. The site looks specifically at prostate and testicular cancer, outlining the causes and symptoms and treatments available, but also covers men's health issues and steps you can take to get yourself in shape.
Everyman – Testicular Cancer
www.icr.ac.uk/everyman/about/testicular.html
This testicular cancer factsheet discusses its causes and symptoms, and includes a helpful guide to self-examination.
Orchid Cancer Appeal
www.orchid-cancer.org.uk
Dedicated to funding research into diagnosis, prevention and treatment of testicular, prostate and penile cancer and to increase public awareness of these previously neglected diseases.
Personal accounts of testicular cancer
ww.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=3514 and
www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=7899&order=1631
Nick, 33, describes his treatment following a diagnosis of testicular cancer and Stephen recounts his feelings on being diagnosed with testicular cancer, aged 21.
Teen Info on Cancer
www.click4tic.org.uk
Honest cancer information written specifically for teens, with advice on coping with cancer and the space to share your experiences of cancer with other teenagers.
Treating testicular cancer
ww.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2669
Detailed information about the different treatments available for testicular cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
reading
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The Complete Book of Men's Health: Everything a Man Needs to Know (Mitchell Beazley, 2004) |
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It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong (Yellow Jersey Press, 2001) |
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Men's Cancers: How to Prevent Them, How to Treat Them, How to Beat Them (Hunter House, 2001) |
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The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Testicular Cancer: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age (Lightning Source, 2002) |
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(February 2002, updated January 2005)
