Testicular Cancer: A Dull Ache In This Body Part Could Be A Warning Sign

KEY POINTS

An estimated 9,560 American men diagnosed with testicular cancer every year
About 1 in 250 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime
The average age of testicular cancer diagnosis is 33
A dull ache in the abdominal and groin are could be a warning sign of the disease

Although testicular cancer is rare while compared to other types of cancers, it is the most common cancer in American males in the age group 15-35. It is estimated that about 8000-10,000 men will develop this cancer every year. Fortunately, the cure rate of testicular cancer is greater than 95%. Identifying the warning signs and getting treated at an earlier stage is very important.

Men with testicular cancer might go through a variety of symptoms and signs. In some cases, they do not experience any symptoms at all. Other symptoms do not necessarily mean a man has cancer.

Typically an enlarged testicle or a small lump or hardened area are the early signs that need to be evaluated by the doctor at the earliest. A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin area occurs when cancer has started spreading to other parts of the body.

Other symptoms of testicular cancer include a painless lump or testicular swelling, pain or numbness in the testicle with or without swelling, changes in the way a testicle feels, sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum, breast growth or tenderness, pain in the lower back, chest pain, bloody sputum, shortness of breath and swelling of one or both legs.

Testicular pain could also be because of an infection of the epididymitis, which can be treated with antibiotics. Changes in the size or a lump in a testicle could also be due to the presence of cysts, enlargement of blood vessels from the testicles, the buildup of fluid in the membrane around the testicle or due to an opening in the abdominal muscle called a hernia, according to Cancer.net.

If you happen to notice any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms, consult with your doctor as early as possible to rule out any complications or figure out what the problem really is. If in case you are diagnosed with testicular cancer, relieving symptoms remain an important part of cancer care. Even when cancer has spread beyond the testicles, testicular cancer is highly treatable. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer.