Body & health

Testicular self-examination

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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Testicular self-examination means regularly feeling your testicles so you know what is normal for you and can notice new lumps, swelling or changes early.

At a glance

  • It means regularly feeling your testicles to learn what is normal for you.
  • It is easiest after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotum is relaxed.
  • The soft tube at the back, the epididymis, is normal and should not be mistaken for a lump.
  • Most lumps are not cancer, but testicular cancer is highly curable when found early.
  • Any new lump, swelling or ache that does not go away should be checked by a doctor.

In detail

It is easiest after a warm bath or shower, when the scrotum is relaxed. Each testicle can be rolled gently between fingers and thumb to feel for hard lumps, changes in size or firmness, or unusual heaviness. The soft tube at the back, the epididymis, is a normal structure and should not be mistaken for a lump.

Most lumps are not cancer, but testicular cancer is one of the more common cancers in young men and is highly curable when found early. Any new lump, swelling or ache that does not go away should be checked by a doctor rather than watched at home.

In a sentence

  • The poster in the gym changing room reminded men to do a testicular self-examination.
  • He noticed a change during a self-examination and booked an appointment the same week.

Common questions

How do I check my testicles?

After a warm bath or shower, gently roll each testicle between fingers and thumb, feeling for hard lumps, changes in size or firmness, or unusual heaviness. Remember that the soft tube at the back, the epididymis, is a normal structure.

I found a lump. Does that mean cancer?

Most lumps are not cancer, but every new lump, swelling or persistent ache should be checked by a doctor rather than watched at home. Testicular cancer is highly curable when found early.

Related terms

Sources

  1. NHSTesticular cancer - Symptoms
  2. Planned ParenthoodTesticular Cancer