‘… suspicious lumps on self-examination’
How to self-examine?
In order to self-examine, there are various steps in which an individual should take;
• Face a mirror to ensure that you can see any external abnormalities
• With both hands examine each testicle. It is not normal to feel pain whilst gently rolling the testicle, if this occurs, please contact your GP.
• Behind the testicle there is a soft, tube-like structure called the epididymis, If you find a lump in the epididymis do not be alarmed as it is not a suspicious lump and majority of lumps found here are not abnormal. Lumps found on the sides or the front of a testicle may be cancerous and you should contact your GP as soon as possible after finding a lump. …show more content…
There are two main types of testicular cancer; Seminoma and Non-seminoma. Seminoma is more popular in males between the ages of 25 – 55 years whereas, Non-seminoma affects younger men between the ages of 15-35 years. (Macmillan Cancer Support, 2014.)
Importance for Self-Examination
It is incredibly important to self-examine yours or your partner’s testicles in order to catch potential testicular cancer (or other illnesses) early. Testicular cancer can have a negative effect on an individual’s sex life, fertility rates and emotional well-being; diagnosing testicular cancer early could decrease the severity of treatment. (Cancer Research UK, 2016)
Illnesses Relating to Testicular Lumps
There are multiple illnesses relating to testicular lumps;
• Cystic (fluid-filled) swellings – These swellings can be caused by fluid build-up around the testicle, a cyst on the epididymis or varicose veins above the testicle.
• Inflammatory swellings – These swellings can be caused by an infection of the epididymis (often transmitted sexually or caused by a urinary infection), twisting of the testicle or an infection of the