leave a response“Many men don’t realize the importance of doing a testicular self- exam each month. Just as women should be examining their breasts to look for possible signs of breast cancer, it’s important for men after they have reached puberty, to perform a testicular cancer self exam each month. Because testicular cancer has a very high cure rate and with a cure rate of almost 100% for the very early stages of this disease, it’s very important to detect and treat the cancer as early as possible. Doctors recommend that men perform a testicular self-exam while standing up, and preferably after a hot shower or bath when the muscles are most relaxed …” Dr. Melissa Stoppler, MedicineNet.com
The detection of testicular cancer:
Most men don’t feel ill nor do they report any symptoms associated with testicular cancer. Hence, it is important for men to perform a monthly TSE (testicular self examination). This exam is painless and is an excellent tool for men to recognize any changes of their testicles. A TSE involves holding each testicle between the thumbs and fingers of both hands and gently rolling it between the fingers. Me should pay particular attention to any hard lumps within the testicles or changes in the way it feels.
The symptoms of testicular cancer:
•Pain or swelling in the testicles
•Lumps or nodules in the testicles, whether painful or not
•Enlargement of the testicles or changes in the way the testicles feels
•Pain in the lower abdomen, back or groin
•Swelling in the scrotum or collection of fluid within the scrotum
It is important to note that there are other benign conditions, which can be associated with the symptoms listed above.
Do not self-diagnosis any medical condition! You can’t be sure whether you have testicular cancer or not based on symptoms alone. That’s why it’s important for men to see a health care provider immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
Reference links to explore:
American Cancer Society
MedicineNet.com
Testicular Cancer Symptoms
WebMD
Testicular Cancer
Remember, when detected early, testicular cancer has a cure rate in excess of 90%.
