Adapted from the American Cancer Society.

This brochure is not intended as a substitute for professional healthcare.

Exerpts are taken from www.ebscohost.com/Allied
Health Resource, 2013.

Health Education Division

Ministry of Health
P. O. Box N-3729

Telephone: (242) 322-1187

or 322-1025

Fax: (242) 328-0079

hea Ithed ucationdivision@bahamas.gov.bs
www.bahamas.gov.bs/health

December

2013

Testicular Cancer and how to do a TSE

(Testicular Self Examination)

FORMENONLY
What is Testicular Cancer?
Cancer of the testes-the male reproductive gland- is one of the most
common cancers in men 15 to 34 years of age. It accounts for 3% of
all cancer related deaths in this age group.
If discovered in the early stages, testicular cancer can be treated
promptly and effectively. It is important for you to take the time to
learn the basic facts about this type of cancer- its symptoms,
treatment, and what you can do to get the help you need when it
counts.

A Major Risk Factor

Men who have un-descended or
partially descended testicles are
at a much higher risk of
developing testicular cancer
than others.
However, it is a simple
procedure to correct the undescended testicle condition.
See your doctor if this applies
to you.

What can I do?

Your best hope for early detection of
testicular cancer is a simple threeminute monthly self examination.
The best time is after a warm bath or
shower, when the scrotal skin is most
relaxed.
Roll each testical gently between the
thumb and fingers of both hands. If
you find any lumps or nodules, you
should see your doctor promptly.
They may not be malignant, but only
your doctor can make the diagnosis.
Following a thorough physical examination, your doctor may
perform certain X-ray studies to make the most accurate diagnosis
possible.

TESTICULAR SELF EXAMINATION

1. Stand in front of a mirrorand look for any signs

of swelling.
2. Supportyour testicleswith one hand and feel

each one with your other hand.

What are the Symptoms?

The first sign of testicular cancer is usually a slight enlargement of
one of the testes, and a change in its consistency.
Pain may be absent, but often there is a dull ache in the lower
abdomen and groin, together with asensation of dragging and
heaviness. Testicular cancer can also cause other symptoms
including: a dull ache or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum,
which may come and go, a sudden collection of fluid in your
scrotum (hydrocele), fatigue, as well as, a general feeling of being
unwell.

3. Roll the testiclesbetweenthe thumb and

fingers,feelingtor any lumps. It is normalto

feel a soft cordlikestructureon the top and
back of each testicle. Lumpsthat need to be
checkedby your healthcareprovidermay be
as small as a grain of rice and are usually
quite firm like hard rubber.Also check for
areas that feel tender.