{"id":3577,"date":"2019-02-05T05:15:47","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T05:15:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=3577"},"modified":"2021-05-25T18:06:09","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T18:06:09","slug":"10-early-testicular-cancer-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/10-early-testicular-cancer-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Early Testicular Cancer Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Over 9,000 men in the United States received a diagnosis of testicular cancer in 2018. Fortunately, the 5-year survival rate for this form of cancer is 95-percent, meaning that men who receive the diagnosis survive for at least 5-years after the fact.
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Testicular cancer is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in men between the age of 15 to 44-years. Less than 6-percent of all cases occur in adolescent boys and 8-percent arising in men older than 55-years.
While cases of the disease continue to increase, treatment is improving, and there are fewer cases of men dying from the effects of the disease, than at any other point in modern history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some 400-men die each year from testicular cancer, with most of these individuals experiencing complications from the metastasis of tumors into other areas of the body.
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If you’re concerned about your health, watch out for these eight testicular cancer symptoms. If you notice any of them, arrange a consultation with your physician for a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some 400-men die each year from testicular cancer, with most of these individuals experiencing complications from the metastasis of tumors into other areas of the body.
If you’re concerned about your health, watch out for these eight testicular cancer symptoms. If you notice any of them, arrange a consultation with your physician for a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Lumps or Swelling
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Finding a lump on one or both of the testes is an early warning sign of testicular cancer. It\u2019s important to note that the lumps and swelling <\/a>of the testes can occur due to a wide range of physical health problems.
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Most men discover a lump on their testicle after self-inspection of the testes. Unfortunately, this often results in floods of panic where the individual self-diagnoses themselves with cancer. This misdiagnosis leads to frustration, anxiety, and stress as they wait for the day of their doctor\u2019s appointment.
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However, an epididymal cyst is often the culprit for the development of a benign lump on the testes. This condition occurs when the coiled tube behind the testes experiences a blockage. This cyst is a common occurrence in men, and in most cases, the lump dissipates on its own.
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Unfortunately, in some cases, lumps on the testes is an early warning sign of the disease. It\u2019s critical that men examine their testes on a regular basis and contact their physician if they notice any abnormalities. In the early stages, the lumps can be the size of a marble or pea, but they tend to grow larger as time passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Pain and Discomfort
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This symptom is also not a reliable indicator of testicular cancer. Men receive pain and discomfort in the scrotum, testes, or lower abdomen for a variety of reasons. However, persistent soreness over the course of a few days may be an early warning sign of the onset of the disease. Some men who feel pain symptoms may be reluctant to self-examine themselves out of fear of what they might find.
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In such a case, it\u2019s vital to visit your physician <\/a>for an accurate diagnosis. Most tumors as painless and in some cases, they don\u2019t leave a visible bump on the surface of the testicle. Men who are experiencing pain symptoms, but no sign of a lump, may be dealing with another disease or injury to the pelvic area. In most cases, the tumor will reach the surface of the testes and produce a tiny bump that\u2019s sensitive to touch.
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However, it\u2019s important to take note of any signs of pain, and correctly manage the situation. If your pain does not subside, a trip to the doctor will uncover the source of the discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Changes in Shape of the Testicles
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One of the most prominent early warning signs of testicular cancer is the change in the shape of one or both of the testes. Typically, the testicle is egg-shaped, but changes to the cells in the testes may result in one of them developing a different shape to the other, where it becomes rounder and fuller than the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes in density may also occur, with one of the testes feeling firmer than the other. This change in shape is an indication of the development of cancer cells inside the testicle. Physicians recommend men conduct regular self-examinations of their testes for lumps <\/a>and firmness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best time of the day to perform this examination is in the morning after a hot shower or bath. The heat causes the testes to swell, and any aberrations will be more noticeable at this stage. Conduct this self-examination at least once every quarter, and if you notice any changes in the testes, consult your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Dull Ache in the Groin or Lower Abdomen
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During the early stages of testicular cancer, its typical for men to report a dull ache in their testes, scrotum, or lower abdomen. The pain will come and go during the course of the day, with different variations of intensity.
This dull ache comes from the tumors <\/a>affecting the nerves attached to the testes. The additional pressure on the nerves sends pain signals to the brain, especially during seating and crossing the legs in a seated position.
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Doctors can treat pain symptoms using painkiller medications. However, it\u2019s important to note that if diagnosed with testicular cancer, you\u2019ll need to endure the effects of chemotherapy and surgery as well possibly.
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Therefore, it\u2019s a prudent strategy not to abuse your medication, as your body develops a tolerance to the active ingredients in the compound. This tolerance leads to the need for a higher dose of the drug, which can cause complications with other areas of your health during treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. A Buildup of Fluid in the Scrotum
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Hydrocele describes the swelling of the scrotum. In this condition, fluid collects in the thin sheath of tissue surrounding the testicles. A hydrocele is common in newborn children, and the fluid eventually drains away by itself.
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Older boys and men can develop the condition due to injury or inflammation <\/a>of the testes as well. A hydrocele is not painful and presents no immediate symptoms to frighten men, but it\u2019s still an early warning sign of cancer men shouldn\u2019t ignore. Pain symptoms can occasionally appear if the swelling gets out of control and causes heaviness in the scrotum.
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The swollen area affected by hydrocele may change in size during the course of the day, with the most severe inflammation occurring during the middle of the day when men are more likely to be active with walking or moving.
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A hydrocele can also occur due to infection of the epididymitis or testicle. For those individuals with a high-risk profile for testicular cancer, it’s best to visit your physician for an immediate diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Tender Breast Tissue
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In rare cases, testicular tumors can cause a decrease in the production of the male hormone, testosterone<\/a>. Testosterone controls many different biological functions in the male body, the hormone gives men their superior strength over women, and also adds to their aggressive nature.
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However, when tumors affect the production of testosterone, it alters the hormone profile. In this case, men with low testosterone experience an elevation in the presence of estrogen, the female hormone, in their blood.
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As a result of the hormone imbalance, some tumors can secrete high levels of a hormone called \u201chuman chorionic gonadotropin,\u201d and as a result, some men may begin to form tissue growth in the mammary glands found underneath the nipple in the chest.
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This tissue growth and hormonal imbalance may cause the breast tissue around the nipples to become sensitive to touch, and some men report feeling a tingling sensation in their nipples. This condition is called \u201cgynecomastia,\u201d and requires intervention with hormone drugs to boost the production and presence of testosterone in the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Shortness of Breath and Lower Back Pain
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Sometimes men may not experience any pain or swelling of the scrotum, and they fail to recognize any lumps or growths on the testes. In such a case, cancer spreads into the lymph nodes<\/a> at the back of the abdomen, also known as the \u201cretroperitoneal lymph glands.\u201d
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It’s uncommon for cases to affect the pelvic lymph glands, but it can happen. If you notice persistent pain in your lower back, that lasts throughout the day, you may be living with the more advanced stages of the disease, without realizing you have testicular cancer.
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Men with lower back pain should conduct a self-examination of the testes immediately. You may also notice signs of painless swelling in other lymph nodes around the collarbone, the side of the neck and under the arms. If you find any lumps in the testicles, call your doctor\u2019s office right away and arrange for a consultation and diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Swelling of the Legs or Genitals
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Our last sign of testicular cancer comes in the advanced stages of the disease. If the early warning signs of cancer go unnoticed or merely ignored by the patient, they may then experience cancer spreading to other areas of the body. The most common area affected by the spread of the disease is the lymphatic system<\/a>.
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The lymph nodes may experience additional pressure that causes them to become painful and sore. In such a case, men will experience a variety of complications that arise. During treatment for testicular cancer, a patient may develop \u201clymphoedema,\u201d a type of inflammation that places pressure on the nerves.
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As a result, the legs and genitals may swell in size, making the legs seem larger and heavier than usual. The tightness of the skin around the legs may also cause discomfort, and patients will occasionally feel a pulsing or throbbing sensation in their legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Low Libido<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve already mentioned that testicular cancer can lead to a decrease in the production of the male hormone testosterone. What is important to remember here, is that testosterone does a whole lot more than just prevent gynecomastia <\/a>(the formation of male breasts). Testosterone is also responsible for all of the secondary male traits, as well as for driving the libido of men to a large degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a decrease in testosterone then, you might find yourself with a decreased interest in sex. This can also be a secondary symptom caused by many of the other side effects \u2013 such as tiredness and irritability. At the same time, a reduction in blood flow can make it difficult to sustain an erection, while you might also find that you have a reduced semen production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different causes for low libido in men, and impotence is expected to affect a huge proportion of us throughout our lifetime. But lookout for this symptom in conjunction with the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Tiredness and Weakness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons that you can find yourself feeling tired and weak. For one, the reduction in testosterone production will immediately have the effect of making you feel more exhausted. This is because testosterone is responsible \u2013 among many other things \u2013 for creating a feeling of drive and determination. Testosterone helps us to feel driven and is responsible for the positive kind of aggression we associate with being \u2018alpha\u2019. Low T results in low drive in many cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is then combined with a general weakness<\/a>, which can come as a result of impaired muscle formation. Hypertrophy (muscle growth) is driven by testosterone to a large degree \u2013 which is why men typically have more muscle than women. Impair this testosterone production then, and you will find that it results in a loss of strength too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, cancer will always make you feel tired and weak due to the fact that your body is fighting a serious illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depression <\/a>is also commonly associated with low testosterone in men. If you find yourself feeling low and unmotivated, then this is something to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, some people are naturally more inclined toward moments of feeling low than others. The thing to be aware of here then, is that something has changed. When something changes this is a sign that a change is going on in your body \u2013 and when seen in conjunction with these other symptoms, that can be a very alarming sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also find that you experience a more \u2018general\u2019 selection of mood swings, which occur as a result of your hormone imbalance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Nausea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nausea <\/a>is the feeling of sickness that can come from any illness. When your body is fighting cancer, it is important to recognize that you are attempting to drive out a serious illness. Thus, it will react as it does to any illness \u2013 making you feel unwell in a bid to try and drive out invaders and help with the healing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this case, your blood supply will be redirected away from the stomach and other areas and toward the site of the illness. This can leave you with butterflies in the stomach. At the same time, you might find yourself feeling unwell as your body tries to forcibly eject any potential toxins or bacteria that it (incorrectly) suspects might be responsible for the way you are feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Physical Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Low testosterone can also cause many other physical changes in your body, which you might be able to identify if you suspect you might be suffering from testicular cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, you might notice that your voice actually becomes higher pitched. This is due to the lower testosterone, which has a feminizing effect. At the same time, low testosterone can increase your chance of injuring your bones <\/a>as they become thinner and more brittle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also notice that you retain more water around your body. These are all signs and symptoms of your body going through changes associated with a sudden hormonal shift. You should look into these, even if cancer is not responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Blood Clot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, a blood clot<\/a> might also occur due to testicular cancer. This happens because of the lump which has appeared around your testes and which is potentially impairing the usual flow of blood around the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can result in a number of other symptoms that you can then look out for. You might notice for instance that your legs begin to swell up, you might notice deferred pain in the small of your back, or you might notice a sharp shooting pain. Your heart rate can also increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, the precise impacts of cancer will always vary slightly depending on the extent of the damage and the exact part of the body being affected. However, if you notice a reduction in testosterone accompanied by physical changes in the testicles and a general feeling of being unwell, then you should definitely always get this checked out as soon as you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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