Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer can have several signs and symptoms, but not always. Many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than testicular cancer. But if you have any of these signs or symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Lump, swelling, or pain in the testicle

Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle has become swollen or larger. It’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, and for one to hang lower than the other.

Some testicular tumors cause pain, but most of the time they don't. Men with testicular cancer may experience heaviness or aching in the lower belly (abdomen) or scrotum.

Several non-cancerous conditions, such as testicle injury or inflammation, can cause symptoms similar to those of testicular cancer. Inflammation of the testicle (known as orchitis) and inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) can cause swelling and pain of the testicle. Both may also be caused by viral or bacterial infections.

Breast growth or soreness

In rare cases, germ cell tumors can make breasts grow or become sore. This occurs because certain germ cell tumors secrete high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone which stimulates breast development.

Some Leydig cell tumors can make estrogens (female sex hormones), which can cause breast growth or loss of sexual desire.

Early puberty in boys

Some Leydig cell tumors can make androgens (male sex hormones). In boys, they can cause signs of puberty at an abnormally early age, such as a deepening voice and the growth of facial and body hair. However, these types of tumors may not cause any symptoms in men.

Symptoms of advanced testicular cancer

Even if testicular cancer has spread to other parts of the body, many men might not have symptoms right away. But some men might have some of the following:

• Low back pain, from cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes (bean-sized collections of immune cells) behind the belly.
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cough (even coughing up blood) may develop from cancer that has spread to the lungs.
• Belly pain, either from enlarged lymph nodes or because the cancer has spread to the liver.
• Headaches or confusion, from cancer that has spread to the brain.