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.