Ask A Pro with John Watkins, Radiation Oncologist
Q: I am a 22-year old male college student and I have a nodule on my testicle. Could this be cancer?
A: Although testicular cancer is less common compared to other cancers, it is the most common cancer in males ages between 15 and 40 years old. Men with testicular cancer may experience a variety of symptoms, but remember these symptoms may not mean it’s cancer. Symptoms may include:
- Painless lump in either testicle (*most common). The tumor may be about the size of a pea or a marble, but it can grow much larger
- Discomfort in a testicle or scrotum
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum
- Lower back pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, and phlegm
- Swelling of 1 or both legs
Fortunately, with modern treatment practices, testicular cancer is highly curable, even when found in advanced stages. See your doctor if you detect any pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area, especially if these signs and symptoms last longer than two weeks.