Most types of cancer initially present as a small, painless, easily detectable lump in one testicle. Other symptoms that should be reported to one's primary care provider include a change in the size of one testicle or a pervasive feeling of hardness. The patient is usually left with completely normal sexual function and fertility. When detected early, and the cancer is contained within the testicle, cure rates are 95 to 100 percent, and even when the cancer has spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes, cure rates are still quite high. But I also try to make the point that a diagnosis of testicular cancer is not a death sentence or even a major life-changing event.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable and highly curable.
Testicular self-examination is most easily done in a warm shower or bath. The warmth of the water causes the testicles to fall away from the body and makes the skin of the scrotum softer and more pliable. Cradle the scrotum in the palm of one hand. You will notice that one testicle will be slightly larger than the other and lying lower. This is normal.