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What are lumps in the testicles?

 

Quite a lot of men, and some boys, can develop lumps in their testicles. Most lumps are harmless but very occasionally they are an early sign of cancer. If you learn what normal testicles feel like, you can find lumps when they are very small. If these cancerous lumps are found and and treated early most boys and men can get rid of the cancer completely and quite easily.

 

 

 

 

 

How can I examine myself?

All men should do the quick 'feeling test' regularly, maybe weekly, after having a shower or bath.

• Have a relaxing, warm bath or shower first; it will make it easier because you are more relaxed and the skin is softer. Examine yourself when you are standing up and preferably where you can see yourself in a mirror.
  
  

• Look first to see if one testicle is hanging differently from usual.
  
  

• Using both hands, feel each testicle in turn.
  
  

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  How to check for lumps

  'Weigh each one' in your hand to see if they are the same size and weight as usual.
  
  

• Put your thumb on the top and your first, index, finger beneath each one. Gently roll around the testicle and you will find a harder, sausage-shaped, ridge at the top of each one. This is normal, it is your epididymis the sperm tube.

Supporting the scrotum in the palm of the hand to helps you to notice changes in the size and weight of each testicle. Using both hands gently roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers, check for lumps, irregular swellings and changes in firmness.

 

 

 

What should I look out for?

• A dull ache in your testicle, very rarely a sign of trouble.
  
  

• Small, hard and painless lumps.
  
  

• Painful lumps especially at the back and top (in the sperm tube or epididymis).
  
  

• Sensitive areas.
  
  

• One testicle becoming larger, one testicle becoming heavier.

We have leaflets with pictures in the clinic, and/or one of the doctors or nurses will show you what to do and look and feel for.

 

 

 

What should I do if I find a change?

Don't worry, most changes will be normal for you or harmless or temporary. This doesn't mean you should just forget about it. If you are at all worried, have a chat with your GP or come and see us at SHAC.

 

 

 

 

 

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