Common Health Problems For Cancer of a Testicle Testicle Problems In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include: The testicles (also called testes) are two oval n A lump on a testicle, shaped organs that make and store sperm. They epididymis, or vas Vas Deferens also make male sex hormones. The testicles are deferens. inside the scrotum. This sac of skin hangs under Epididymis the penis. The scrotum can swell or be painful n An enlarged testicle. Testicle Scrotum without a testicle problem. An example of this is n A heavy feeling, pain an inguinal hernia. (See Hernias at or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum. www.HealthyLearn.com.) n A change in the way a testicle feels. Problems that affect the testicles include: Injury, n A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin. swelling and infection; torsion; undescended n Enlarged or tender breasts. testicles; and cancer. n Sudden pooling of fluid in the scrotum. Signs & Symptoms Causes For Injury, Swelling, and/or For Injury, Swelling, and Infection Infection n Trauma to the testicles from being hit, kicked, n Pain and struck, etc. Often, this occurs during sports. swelling in Though rare, trauma to the abdomen can the scrotum. cause the testicles to move outside the scrotum. n Feeling of heaviness in Fever is a sign of a testicular n Orchitis. With this, a testicle is inflamed. the scrotum. or other infection. Often it is due to an infection, such as mumps or chlamydia. The epididymis can also be For Torsion of a Testicle inflamed from an infection. n Sudden and severe pain in the scrotum. For Torsion of a Testicle n Swelling. Most often, this occurs in one When the spermatic cord twists, a testicle rotates. testicle. This cuts off blood supply to and from the n Fever. testicle. n n Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. This usually occurs in males under age 30, most often between the ages of 12 and 18. For Undescended Testicles n Symptoms often occur after physical activity n In baby boys, testicles do not descend into the or during sleep. scrotum from the abdomen before birth or n Symptoms may occur for no known reason. within months of birth like they should. © American Institute for Preventive Medicine. All rights reserved. www.HealthyLife.com Men’s Health Issues Testicle Problems, Continued Treatment For Undescended Testicles Testicles fail to drop from inside the pelvic area down into the scrotum For Injury, Swelling, before birth or within a year of birth. and/or Infection n Pain from a minor For Cancer of a Testicle injury to a testicle The cause is not known. Risk factors include: usually goes away on its n Undescended testicles that are not corrected in infants and young own. children. Parents should see that their infant boys are checked at birth n Antibiotics treat for this problem. bacterial infections. n Having cancer of a testicle in the past. Untreated infections can n A family history of cancer of a testicle, especially in an identical twin. cause infertility. n Injury to the scrotum. For Torsion of a Testicle Emergency medical care is Questions to Ask needed. The testicle may be Do you have any of these problems all of a sudden? untwisted by hand. If not, • Severe pain in the scrotum or in one testicle. surgery is needed to restore • Tenderness and swelling in the scrotum (most often in one blood flow to the testicle. testicle) with fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting. • A tender nodule in the upper and outer area of a testicle. For Undescended Testicles • A testicle is bluish in color. Surgery is done to bring the • Painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. testicles down into the scrotum. Have you had an injury, trauma, or abuse (including sexual For Cancer of a Testicle assault) to the genital area? Or, does bleeding come from the This kind of cancer is scrotum? almost always curable if it is found and treated early. Do you get a fever and swelling and pain in the testicle(s) after Surgery is done to remove having the mumps? the testicle. Other things can further treat the Are any of these problems present? disease: • Signs and symptoms of cancer of a testicle listed on n Chemotherapy. previous page. n Radiation therapy. • Signs and symptoms of chlamydia listed at n If needed, lymph nodes www.HealthyLearn.com. are removed by surgery. Flowchart continued on next page Common Health Problems Testicle Problems, Continued Testicular Self-Exam Talk to your doctor about doing testicular self- Do you have any of these problems? exams (TSEs). If you choose to do TSEs, follow • Swelling in the scrotum that was soft your doctor’s advice. and painless, but is now painful or very uncomfortable. The best time to do a TSE is after a warm bath or • Swelling in the scrotum and/or a shower. This relaxes the scrotum, allows the change in the way the scrotum testicles to drop down, and makes it easier to find normally feels. anything unusual. Doing a TSE is easy and takes only a few minutes. In a baby boy, has a testicle not 1. Stand in front of a mirror. Look for any descended into the scrotum by one swelling on the skin of the scrotum. year of age? 2. Examine each testicle with both hands. Place your index and middle fingers underneath the testicle Self-Care / Prevention and your thumbs on top. Gently roll one To Avoid Injury to the Scrotum testicle then the other Vas Deferens n Wear protective gear and clothing during between your thumbs exercise and sports. Epididymis and fingers. One Testicle n Wear an athletic cup to protect the testicles. testicle may be larger. Scrotum This is normal. Examine each testicle for any To Help Prevent Infections lumps. These are usually painless and about the n See that your children get vaccines for size of a pea. measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) as 3. Find the epididymis. This is the comma- advised by their doctor. (See Immunization shaped cord behind the testicle. It may be Schedule at www.HealthyLearn.com.) tender to the touch. Check it for lumps. n To help prevent STDs, follow “Safer Sex” 4. Examine the vas deferens. This is the tubelike guidelines. (See at www.HealthyLearn.com.) structure at the back of each testicle. Check it for lumps. To Treat Infections n Take medication as prescribed. Get more information from: n Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain ® and swelling, if needed. Follow directions. HealthyLearn • www.HealthyLearn.com n Rest. National Cancer Institute n Apply cold compresses or an ice pack to 800.4.CANCER (422.6237) • www.cancer.gov painful, swollen area..