You check your blood pressure, monitor your weight, and schedule annual physicals, but did you know there's another simple screening you can perform at home? Testicular self-examination takes just a few minutes a month, and it could save your life.
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men ages 15-35, and it's also one of the most treatable when it’s caught early. The key to early detection is knowing what's normal for your body and recognizing when something changes. Here’s what you need to know, from Maria Scouros, MD, and our team at Houston Cancer Institute.
Just like any other part of your body, your testicles can develop conditions like cancer, cysts, infections, and other abnormalities. While not every lump or change indicates cancer, finding issues early dramatically improves your treatment options and outcomes.
Testicular cancer often presents as a painless lump or swelling, which means you might not notice anything wrong unless you're actively checking. By performing regular self-exams, you establish a baseline understanding of what's normal for you, making it easier to detect even subtle changes.
You should perform a testicular self-exam once a month. Choose a consistent day that's easy to remember, like the first day of each month.
These monthly exams serve as regular check-ins, without being so frequent that small, normal variations cause unnecessary alarm. The best time to perform the exam is during or right after a warm shower or bath, when the scrotal skin is relaxed and softer, making it easier to feel any abnormalities.
Here’s how to do a testicular self-exam and what to look for.
The best time to do a testicular self-exam is after a warm bath or shower. The heat relaxes your scrotum, making the examination easier and more accurate. Stand in front of a mirror if possible, because visual inspection helps you notice swelling or changes in appearance.
Look at your scrotum in the mirror, and check for any visible swelling, changes in size or shape, or differences between your left and right testicle. It's completely normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower or be somewhat larger than the other, but you're watching for new changes or asymmetry that wasn't there before.
Next, hold your scrotum in your palm and use both hands to examine one testicle at a time. Place your index and middle fingers underneath the testicle and your thumbs on top.
Gently roll the testicle between your thumbs and fingers, and feel for any lumps, bumps, or changes in consistency. Your testicle should feel smooth, oval-shaped, and firm but slightly spongy, similar to a hard-boiled egg without the shell.
The epididymis is a soft, tube-like structure that you can feel on the back and top of each testicle. It stores and transports sperm, and it should feel slightly tender and rope-like. Don't mistake this normal structure for an abnormal lump.
Remember that you’re looking for changes in appearance or feel in both testicles. Check for hard lumps, smooth rounded masses, changes in testicle size or shape, a feeling of heaviness in your scrotum, or any pain or discomfort. Note anything that feels different from previous exams.
Make an appointment if you notice any symptoms like:
Finding something unusual can be worrisome, but don't wait to make an appointment or convince yourself it's nothing. Early evaluation is critical, because testicular cancer and other conditions are most treatable when they’re identified in early stages.
Our team at Houston Cancer Institute specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers like testicular cancer and prostate cancer. When you come in with concerns from a self-exam, we do thorough testing including physical examination, ultrasound imaging, blood tests for tumor markers, and more to determine exactly what's causing the changes you've noticed.
If we find cancer, we create a personalized treatment plan for you. We consider your specific type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and your individual needs and goals. Plus, we offer psychological support to help you navigate the journey.
Spending a few minutes each month performing a testicular self-exam could make all the difference in catching cancer early when it's most treatable. Still have questions? Book an appointment online or by phone today at one of our offices in Houston or Katy, Texas, to learn more.
