How to Test Yourself for Lumps on Your Testicles

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer found in U.S. males between the ages of 15 and 34. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that in 2010 more than 8,000 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer and 350 will die from it. Located in a loose sac called the scrotum below the penis, the two egg-shaped testes produce sperm and testosterone, the male sex hormone. Consistent monthly self-examination of your testicles for lumps or other changes can alert you to make an appointment with your physician. The Mayo Clinic reports that most testicular cancers are discovered during routine self-examinations.

Instructions

• 1

  Do testicular self-exams after a warm shower.

  Take a warm shower or bath to relax your scrotum before you examine your testicles. Try to do a thorough testicular exam about the same time each month beginning at age 14. Stand undressed in front of a mirror to start the exam so that a visual inspection can be done as well.

• 2

  Move your penis aside so that you can see your scrotum. Look for unusual puffiness or swelling, but it is normal if your scrotal skin looks or feels slightly bumpy from ingrown hairs or other skin irritations. It also is common for one of your testicles to be slightly bigger than the other, but make note of any size changes from one exam to the next.

• 3

  Grasp a testicle with both hands, but be sure your thumbs are on top and your index and middle fingers are underneath. Gently, but firmly, move the testicle slowly through your fingers in a rolling motion; look for smooth bumps or hard, lumpy areas and note any differences in the consistency, shape or size of each testicle. It is normal to feel a ropey coil that you can trace up the back of each testicle; this is the epididymis that carries sperm to the penis.

• 4

  Schedule a doctor's appointment promptly if you feel any suspicious lumps or bumps, notice what feels like fluid in your scrotum, or if you are experiencing any pain, heaviness, swelling, or tenderness in your scrotal area or a persistent dull abdominal ache. Share your personal and family medical histories with your physician because your testicular cancer risk increases if you have a father or brother diagnosed with testicular cancer or if you were born with an undescended testicle, an inguinal hernia or certain congenital abnormalities including problems with your penis, scrotum or kidneys.