Symptoms and Complications
The symptoms of testicular cancer include:
- a painless lump in the testicle (common)
- dull ache or pain in the groin or abdomen (uncommon)
- enlargement of a testicle (common)
- pain, discomfort, or a feeling of "heaviness" in the scrotum (uncommon)
- pain or discomfort in the testicle (uncommon)
Occasionally, symptoms arise from disease that has already spread to other organs, such as lumps in the neck, cough due to cancer in the lungs, back pain due to cancer in the bones, and, rarely, neurological problems because of nerve or brain problems.
The treatment of testicular cancer can cause a variety of complications. Radiotherapy may cause problems gaining or retaining erections, while chemotherapy may cause sterility.
Men who have had testicular cancer also seem to be at a higher risk for developing leukemia and other types of cancers.
Men with testicular cancer may feel particularly vulnerable psychologically, especially since this cancer often hits in the years when they may be starting families. Good psychological support is an important part of the overall healing process.