Testicular Self-Examination

Definition

Testicular self-examination is an examination of the testicles. The testicles (also called

the testes) are the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and the hormone
testosterone. They are located in the scrotum under the penis.

Why the test is performed

A testicular self-exam is done to check for testicular cancer. Normal testicles contain
blood vessels and other structures that can make the exam confusing. Performing a
self-exam monthly allows you to become familiar with your normal anatomy. Then if you
notice any changes from the previous exam, you'll know to contact your doctor.

You should perform a testicular self-exam every month if you have or have had any of
the following risk factors:

1. Family history of testicular cancer

2. Previous testicular tumor
3. Undescended testicle

Risk Factors

The cause of testicular cancer is unknown, but there are several known risk factors:

• Family history of testicular tumors

• History of an undescended testicle or a late descending testicle

• History of mumps and later shrinking of the testicles

• Injury to the scrotum

• Ethnicity: More common in white than black men

 Signs and Symptoms

• Small, painless lump in a testicle

• Feeling of heaviness in the testicle

• Enlarging male breasts or breast tenderness

• Enlargement of the testicle

• A new collection of fluid or blood in the scrotum around the testicle

• Pain in the testicle

How to Do a Testicular Self-Examination

The best time to examine testicles is during or after a shower or bath. The warm water
allows the scrotum to relax and the testicles to drop down. The left testicle normally
hangs a bit lower than the right. It is common for one testicle to be larger than the other
one.

Young men should examine themselves once a month. More frequent exams actually
may result in missing a slowly changing lump.

How to conduct a testicular self-exam

• Support each testicle with one hand and examine it with the other.

• Gently roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers. Testicles should feel
firm and smooth, about the consistency of a hard-boiled egg without the shell.

• The epididymis is a ropelike structure attached to the back of the testis. This
structure is not an abnormal lump

• Feel for firm masses, lumps, or nodules in the testicle. In cancer, these lumps
often are painless.
 • Become familiar with normal size, shape, and weight of each testicle and
epididymis. This will help you recognize a change from one self-examination to
another, if a change should occur.
f a suspicious lump exists, the physician may order tests to assist in making
the diagnosis.

Ultrasound

• Testicular ultrasound is an excellent way to evaluate lumps in the testicle. With

ultrasound, the technician moves a wand over the area. Sound waves echo to form
an image on a computer screen. This procedure is noninvasive and painless.

• In addition, when a collection of fluid or blood exists around the testicle, it may
be difficult to feel a mass or lump. Ultrasound can overcome this barrier and give an
accurate image of the testicle.

Blood tests

• Blood tests for serum markers are often elevated in testicular cancer.

• These markers include alpha-feto-protein (AFP) and human chorionic

gonadotropin (HCG).