Learn About Testicular Cancer Self-Examination

Understanding Testicular Cancer and Why Self-Examination Matters

Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and are located in the scrotum, the pouch of skin beneath the penis. While testicular cancer is relatively rare compared to other cancers in men, it is the most common cancer diagnosed in males between ages 15 and 35. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 250 men will develop testicular cancer during their lifetime, with about 9,500 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States.

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One of the most important aspects of testicular cancer is that it has high survival rates when detected early. The five-year survival rate for testicular cancer overall is approximately 95 percent, and for cancers that have not spread beyond the testicle, the survival rate exceeds 99 percent. This dramatic difference in outcomes between early and late-stage detection makes self-examination a potentially valuable practice for all men, particularly those at higher risk.

Self-examination of the testicles is a simple physical check that any man can perform to become familiar with the normal feel and appearance of his testicles. By learning what is normal for your body, you become better positioned to notice any changes or unusual characteristics. This guide focuses on providing factual information about how to perform a testicular self-examination, what signs and symptoms to watch for, and when you should contact a healthcare provider with concerns.

Practical takeaway: Learning about testicular self-examination is a form of body awareness that may help you detect changes early, when treatment outcomes tend to be most favorable. Men of all ages can benefit from understanding their own bodies.

Who Should Consider Performing Testicular Self-Examinations

Testicular cancer can develop in any man, regardless of age or background. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this disease. Understanding whether you fall into a higher-risk category can help you decide how frequently to perform self-examinations and how closely to monitor your testicles for changes.

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Age is a significant factor in testicular cancer risk. The disease is most commonly diagnosed in men between ages 15 and 35, though it can occur at any age. Young men in this age range may benefit from performing regular self-examinations as part of their overall health routine. Men over 35 can still develop testicular cancer, and self-examination remains valuable for detecting changes at any stage of life.

Family history also plays a role in risk. Men whose father or brother has had testicular cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. Additionally, men with a personal history of testicular cancer in one testicle have a risk of developing it in the other testicle. For these men, regular self-examination becomes particularly important as a monitoring tool.

Certain medical conditions increase testicular cancer risk. Men with a history of undescended testicles (cryptorchidism)—whether corrected surgically or not—have an elevated risk. Similarly, men with Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition affecting males, face increased risk. Men with HIV or a history of certain fertility issues may also have higher risk profiles.

Even if you do not have specific risk factors, most medical organizations recommend that all men become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their testicles. This general body awareness can be valuable regardless of individual risk level.

Practical takeaway: Whether you have risk factors or not, learning about self-examination gives you information to monitor your own health. Discuss your personal risk factors with a healthcare provider to determine an examination schedule that makes sense for you.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Performing a Testicular Self-Examination

A testicular self-examination is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Most medical organizations recommend performing the examination once per month, ideally around the same time each month so it becomes a routine habit. The best time to perform an examination is after a warm bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed.

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Begin by standing in front of a mirror. Look at your scrotum for any signs of swelling or skin changes. Then, use both hands to examine each testicle. Place your thumbs on top of one testicle and your index and middle fingers underneath. Gently roll the testicle between your fingers and thumbs. You should feel a firm, smooth structure. The testicle should be roughly egg-shaped and feel somewhat firm but not rock-hard.

As you examine, familiarize yourself with the normal structures you will feel. Behind each testicle, you should feel the epididymis—a tube-like structure that stores and transports sperm. This structure may feel slightly bumpy or have a ridged texture, and this is completely normal. The epididymis should feel distinct from the testicle itself. Understanding this normal anatomy helps you avoid confusing the epididymis with an abnormal lump.

After examining one testicle thoroughly, repeat the process with the other testicle. As you become more familiar with your own anatomy through regular monthly examinations, you will develop a sense of what feels normal for you. Many men find that their testicles are not perfectly symmetrical—one may be slightly larger or sit lower than the other. These variations are normal and are not a cause for concern.

While performing the examination, note the size, weight, and texture of each testicle. You should also check the area above each testicle for lumps or unusual bumps. The spermatic cord runs from each testicle up into the body and should feel like a firm tube. Familiarizing yourself with this normal structure prevents unnecessary worry.

Practical takeaway: Monthly self-examination performed in a warm setting allows you to notice gradual changes in your own body. The key is consistency and familiarity with your own normal anatomy, not perfection in technique.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms That Warrant Medical Attention

Knowing what to look for during self-examination is crucial. A lump or nodule in the testicle is the most common sign of testicular cancer, appearing in about 90 percent of cases. The lump is usually pea-sized to marble-sized, though size alone does not determine whether something is cancerous. Most lumps found during self-examination are not cancer, but any new or persistent lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

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The lump associated with testicular cancer is typically painless and feels hard. It may be located on the front or side of the testicle. It is different from the epididymis, which sits behind the testicle and has a more tubular, ridged feel. The lump may feel like it is part of the testicle tissue itself, not a structure alongside it. If you notice a lump that persists for more than a week or two, do not wait to mention it to a healthcare provider.

Beyond lumps, other signs and symptoms may indicate a need for medical evaluation. Swelling or enlargement of one testicle (without a palpable lump) can be a symptom. A change in the consistency or texture of the testicle—becoming harder or softer than usual—warrants investigation. Some men experience a dull ache or heaviness in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or groin area. Though these symptoms can have many causes, persistent discomfort should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Tenderness or sensitivity in the testicles may occur, though testicular cancer itself is often painless. If you experience pain, swelling, or tenderness that does not resolve within a few days, or that worsens over time, seek medical evaluation. Pain can indicate infection or other treatable conditions, making it important not to ignore.

In some cases, men discover symptoms by accident—noticing changes during routine hygiene or sexual activity. Any new physical change in the testicles or surrounding area, even if discovered incidentally, should be reported to a healthcare provider. Early notification of changes is associated with better outcomes.

Practical takeaway: Familiarizing yourself with your normal anatomy through regular self-examination makes you more likely to notice actual changes. Any new lump, persistent swelling, changes in consistency, or unexplained pain deserves evaluation by a medical professional.

When and How to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If you notice any changes during self-examination or at any other time, the next step is to contact a

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