Testicular cancer often has no symptoms, but common signs include a lump or swollen area in one or both testicles, pain or discomfort, and breast tissue growth. Advanced cancer can cause symptoms such as headaches, back pain, and shortness of breath. It is important to consult a doctor before assuming a diagnosis.
Many cases of testicular cancer have no symptoms, often leading to a late diagnosis. Of cases that do have symptoms, the most common are a lump or swollen area in at least one testicle, pain or discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Other signs of testicular cancer are found elsewhere in the body, and patients may notice breast tissue growth and a lack of libido. Advanced-stage cancer also causes pain in other areas, and headaches, back pain, and shortness of breath are among the most common symptoms of advanced testicular cancer.
Most signs of testicular cancer start in the scrotum, which tends to feel suddenly heavy with the onset of cancer. Many patients also notice a lump or swelling in one or both testicles. The testicles naturally have various bumps, but lumps that have not been noticed before should be checked by a doctor. In many cases, the swollen area doesn’t hurt at all, but when it does, the pain is typically mild.
Some testicular cancer symptoms occur in areas that surprise patients, because those areas have little to do with the scrotum. For example, some types of tumors release the female sex hormone estrogen in males, causing breast tissue to enlarge and libido to decrease. Other types of tumors release androgens, which are male sex hormones. While these don’t tend to produce any strange symptoms in men since they’re typically already in the body, androgens can cause hair to grow on their bodies and faces sooner than usual.
Some signs that the cancer is advanced have little to do with the male reproductive system, because lymph nodes and nearby organs can be affected. For example, advanced testicular cancer can lead to headaches, lack of energy and dementia. Some males may find it difficult to breathe and may also experience chest pain and a constant cough. Other signs of advanced testicular cancer include excessive sweating and pain in the groin, back and abdomen. The most common signs of testicular cancer are also symptoms of other conditions affecting the testicles, so while knowing the common signs is helpful, males are often advised to consult their doctor before assuming they have this type of cancer.
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