A 34-year-old member asked:
is there a self-test for testicular cancer?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kris Gast answered
Radiation Oncology 31 years experience
Testicular cancer: The self test you are looking for is called a physical exam! basically you must be familiar with your own body in order to notice any changes. Men are really supposed to exam their testicles once a month just as women are asked to exam their breasts once a month. Just pick a day of the month and get it done. If you feel a knot or lump see your doctor.
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Dr. Joseph Woods answered
Pathology 28 years experience
Scrotal exam.: Scrotal self exam is probably the best test you can do at home. This can find a painless mass, which is the most common way this tumor presents. Exam with a light to shine through the mass can determine if it is a hydrocele, or water collected in the scrotum. Otherwise your doctor can order an alphafetoprotein (afp), beta human Chorionic Gonadotropin (b-hcg), chest xray, and abd.+pelv. Ct scan.
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Similar questions
A 47-year-old member asked:
What does the test for testicular cancer tell me?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Woods answered
Pathology 28 years experience
Stage of tumor.: Scrotal self exam is probably the best test you can do at home. Otherwise your doctor can order an alphafetoprotein (afp), beta human Chorionic Gonadotropin (b-hcg), chest xray, and abdominal+pelvic ct scan. These help determine the stage of the tumor. In addition AFP is high only in non-seminoma, while b-hcg ican be high in both seminoma and non-seminoma.
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A 36-year-old member asked:
Is there a self exam for testicular cancer? How do I check for testicular cancer?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge answered
Internal Medicine 41 years experience
A : A monthly self-exam of the testicles is recommended. Some men do this after a warm bath or shower, so the scrotal muscles are more relaxed and the skin is softer. The testicles should first be visually examined to look for bumps or swelling. Then they should be palpated by holding the scrotum and testicle in the hand. Gently roll the testicle back and forth between the thumb and forefinger. Abnormal findings in the testicles that warrant further evaluation are a painless swelling or lump, any change in how the testicle feels, any change in size, an acute build-up of fluid in the scrotum, or pain in the testicle. Further testing may include an ultrasound, a painless procedure during which high energy sound waves are bounced off the testicular tissue.
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Last updated Aug 13, 2015
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