Testicular cancer - Symptoms 

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in one of your testicles.

Testicular lumps are most commonly found on the front or the side of the testicle. They often feel like a hard, pea-sized swelling.

When to see your GP

Never ignore a lump or a swelling in your testicle. It is very important to visit your GP as soon as you notice any lump or swelling on your testicle.

Your GP will examine your testicles to help determine whether or not the lump is cancerous. Most testicular lumps are not a sign of cancer. For example, varicoceles (swollen blood vessels) are a common cause of testicular lumps.

For more information about varicoceles, see the Health A-Z topic about Testicular lumps and swellings.

Research has shown that less than 4% of testicular lumps are cancerous. In the unlikely event that you do have testicular cancer, the sooner treatment begins, the greater the likelihood that you will be completely cured.

If you do not feel comfortable visiting your GP, you can go to your local sexual health clinic, where a healthcare professional will be able to examine you. You can find your local clinic by visiting the Family Planning Association (FPA) website.

Associated symptoms

As well as a lump or swelling, testicular cancer can also cause other symptoms including:

• a dull ache or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum, which may come and go
• a feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
• a dull ache in your lower abdomen (stomach area)
• a sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum (hydrocele)
• fatigue
• a general feeling of being unwell

Metastatic cancer

If testicular cancer has spread to other parts of your body, you may also experience a variety of other symptoms. Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is known as metastatic cancer. Around 5% of people with testicular cancer will experience symptoms of metastatic cancer.

The most common place for testicular cancer to spread is to nearby lymph nodes in your abdomen or your lungs. Lymph nodes are glands that make up your immune system. Less commonly, the cancer can spread to your liver, brain or bones.

Symptoms of metastatic cancer can include:

• a persistent cough
• coughing or spitting up blood
• shortness of breath
• swelling and enlargement of male breasts
• a lump or swelling in your neck
• lower back pain