Testicular Cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Testicular
cancer does not always produce symptoms. In some cases there are few or no symptoms
and it is only after the cancer has spread, that the primary tumour can be detected
in the testicle itself. The first sign is usually a firm, painless and smooth
testicular mass or lump varying in size and sometimes producing a sense of testicular
heaviness. Most lumps in the scrotum are not testicular cancer.
Other
symptoms include :
Testicular
swelling and hardness -
A feeling of heaviness or
aching in the scrotum or lower abdomen. A dull
ache in the abdomen or groin Any change or pain in
the testicle or scrotum. Enlarged male breasts and
nipples. Blood or fluid that accumulates suddenly in
the scrotum.
Some types of testicular cancer produce
high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG], estrogen and testosterone hormones.
Increased levels of HCG may cause breast tenderness and abnormal growth of breast
tissue (gynecomastia). Increased levels of estrogen may cause a loss of sexual
desire (libido) and increased levels of testosterone may cause premature growth
of facial and body hair in boys. In advanced stages, signs and symptoms include
urethral obstruction, abdominal mass, cough, hemoptysis, shortness of breath,
weight loss, fatigue, pallor and lethargy.
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