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Testicular self-examination at a glance
- Get to know how your testicles normally feel – this makes it easier to notice new changes.
- Check for lumps or areas of hardening – a new lump in the testicle should always be assessed by a doctor.
- Be aware of changes in size or consistency – these changes should also be examined.
- Pain, discomfort, a feeling of heaviness, or swelling without a clear explanation may also require further assessment.
- If you feel a lump or notice another clear change, contact a primary care clinic. If testicular cancer is suspected, a clinical examination and prompt ultrasound are performed, and if there is a well-founded suspicion, the investigation continues according to the standardized care pathway (SVF).
How to Examine Your Testicles – Step by Step
Performing a self-exam is easy, painless, and only takes a few minutes. It’s an effective way to detect any changes early that could be signs of testicular cancer or other conditions affecting the testicles. The best time to examine your testicles is after a warm bath or shower. The skin in your scrotum is soft and relaxed, making it easier to feel for any lumps or changes in size and consistency. By being consistent, you’ll learn what your testicles normally feel like, making it easier to spot any abnormalities early.
How to check your testicles
- Use both hands: Hold one testicle at a time between your thumb and fingers and roll it gently.
- Feel for lumps or bumps: The testicles should be smooth and firm, but not hard. Small lumps or changes can be warning signs.
- Compare your testicles: It is normal for them to differ slightly in size, but a sudden change should be investigated.
- Check the epididymis: This soft structure behind the testicle may feel spongy – and that is completely normal.
- Watch out for pain or heaviness: A feeling of discomfort, tenderness or heaviness in the scrotum can be a symptom to take seriously.
If you feel a lump or hardening in the testicle, you should contact a primary care clinic for assessment. A lump in the testicle should always be investigated further. Changes in size, persistent pain, or other noticeable changes should also be assessed by a doctor.
Abnormalities to watch out for
It is important to recognise what is normal for you, but also to know which changes may be signs of illness. Here are some abnormalities that should be checked by a doctor:
- Lumps or hardening: A new lump or area of hardening in the testicle should always be assessed by a doctor. Contact a primary care clinic for examination. If testicular cancer is suspected, further investigation should be carried out promptly, usually with an ultrasound. If there is a well-founded suspicion of cancer, the investigation continues according to the standardized care pathway (SVF).
- Change in size or shape: If a testicle suddenly becomes larger, harder, or has an irregular shape, it may be a warning sign.
- Heaviness in the scrotum: A diffuse feeling of heaviness or swelling may be an early symptom of testicular cancer.
- Tenderness or pain: Persistent pain in a testicle, scrotum, or groin may be a sign of infection or other disease.
- Fluid accumulation in the scrotum: Sudden swelling without an obvious cause can be due to various conditions, including testicular cancer.
- Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia): Some testicular tumors can produce hormones that cause breast enlargement.
Blood tests for suspected testicular cancer
When a suspected tumor is used a combination of primarily ultrasound, but blood tests can also be performed as part of the investigation.
Tumor markers in testicular cancer
- AFP Alpha-1-Fetoprotein: Elevated in non-seminomas, but not in pure seminomas. A high AFP value indicates that the tumor contains non-seminomatous cell types.
- Beta-hCG Human chorionic gonadotropin: May be elevated in both seminomas and non-seminomas. High levels of beta-hCG may signal a more aggressive disease. It is the same hormone analyzed in pregnancy tests in
- LDH Lactate dehydrogenase: A less specific marker that may be elevated in more advanced testicular cancer and reflects tumor burden.
If spread is suspected, MRI examinations can also be performed.
Why self-examination is important
By regularly feeling your testicles, you learn what is normal for you – which makes it easier to detect changes at an early stage. Early detection is crucial for quick and successful treatment.
Testicular cancer has a very good prognosis when detected early. Take control of your own health – it only takes a few minutes but can make all the difference.
