Testicular cancer is cancer that's found in the testicles. It's most common in men aged 15 to 49. It can affect anyone who has testicles. The testicles are 2 small oval-shaped organs which hang below the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testicles make sperm and testosterone. How serious testicular cancer is depends on the type of testicular cancer, how big it is and if it has spread.

Symptoms of testicular cancer

Main symptoms of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer usually only affects one testicle, but it can affect both. Symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• a lump or swelling in your testicle
• your testicle getting bigger
• an ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles)
• your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard

Other symptoms can include:

• an ache or pain in your back or lower tummy
• losing weight without trying
• a cough
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• a sore or swollen chest

It's important to check your testicles regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your testicles.

See a GP if:

• you have a lump or swelling on one or both of your testicles
• one or both of your testicles are getting bigger
• your scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles) feels heavy, firm or hard
• you have an ache or pain in your scrotum or one or both of your testicles
• you notice a change in one of both of your testicles that is not normal for you

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have testicular cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.

Causes of testicular cancer

Who is more likely to get testicular cancer

Testicular cancer mostly affects men aged 15 to 49. Anyone with testicles can get it. It's not always clear what causes testicular cancer. You might be more likely to get it if:

• you have or had undescended testicles (when one or both testicles do not drop down into the usual place in the scrotum)
• your brother or father has had testicular cancer
• you've had testicular cancer before
• you have or had a condition called hypospadias where the hole that pee and sperm comes out of (urethra) is not at the tip of your penis
• you have HIV or AIDS
• you are from a white British background

Tests and next steps for testicular cancer

Main tests for testicular cancer

If the GP refers you to a specialist, you may need more tests and scans to check for testicular cancer. Tests you may have include:

• blood tests
• an ultrasound scan of your testicles

Getting your results

It can take a few weeks to get the results of your tests. Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not definitely mean anything is wrong. You can call the hospital or GP if you are worried. They should be able to update you. A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have testicular cancer

Being told you have testicular cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next. It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment. You can ask them any questions you have.

Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm. They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about. Call 0808 808 00 00.

Next steps

If you've been told you have testicular cancer, you'll usually need more tests. These, along with the tests you've already had, will help the specialists find out the size of the cancer and if it has spread (called the stage).

You'll have surgery to remove the testicle (or rarely only part of the testicle) so it can be examined. This is also the main treatment for testicular cancer. You may also have scans such as a CT scan or MRI scan. The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you.