Testicular Cancer

You might be at increased risk for testicular cancer if you:

• Had an undescended testicle(s) at birth or other abnormal development of the testes
• Are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Have a genetic problem caused by having an extra X chromosome
• Have a personal or family history of testicular cancer
• Are white

Talk with your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• A painless lump, enlargement or swelling in either testicle
• A change in how the testicle feels
• Dull aching in the lower abdomen, back or groin
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
• Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

If you have a son who was born with an undescended testicle, talk with his health care professional about correcting it before he reaches puberty.

• Ask your health care professional to examine your testicles as part of your routine physical exam.
• Talk with your health care professional about testicular self-exam. It is one way to get to know what is normal for you. If you notice a change, talk with your health care professional right away.