Testicular cancer is not common. It is often first discovered by the person or a sex partner as a lump or an enlarged and swollen testicle. In the early stages of testicular cancer, the lump, which may be about the size of a pea, usually is not painful. Testicular cancer has a high cure rate.
Experts don't recommend screening for testicular cancer. For example, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Opens dialog advises against routine testicular exam or testicular self-exams in teens and adults who have no symptoms.footnote 1 The USPSTF says that the evidence shows that these exams have only a small benefit (if any) and may cause harm from false-positive results, Opens dialog that lead to having diagnostic tests or procedures you don't need.
Monthly testicular self-exams, Opens dialog may be recommended for those who are at high risk for testicular cancer. This includes anyone who has a history of an undescended testicle or a family or personal history of testicular cancer.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2011). Screening for testicular cancer: Reaffirmation recommendation statement. Available online: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf10/testicular/testicuprs.htm.
Information about Testicular Cancer Screening
Current as of: October 25, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2011). Screening for testicular cancer: Reaffirmation recommendation statement. Available online: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf10/testicular/testicuprs.htm.
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