What are the signs/symptoms of testis cancer?
Dr. Green: Normally, the patient will present with a painless swelling or lump, or heavy feeling in the testis/scrotum. Epididymitis and epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the attachment to the testis and testis) are the most frequently mistaken diagnosis for testis cancer. A non-tender heavy, enlarging hard testis mass is classic, but not always present. Associated testis pain occurs in approximately 40% of patients. Gynecomastia (enlarged breast) occurs in 2-4% of patients). In 5 to 10% of patients symptoms result from metastasis, e.g., back pain, vague abdominal pain. Q: Do all cases of testis cancer have symptoms or signs? Dr. Green: Unfortunately not. In a small group of patients, symptoms are absent or so minor as not to call the patient’s attention to the testis cancer. Q: I’ve heard that a lot of testis cancer is detected late ….is that true? Dr. Green: Unfortunately, yes. One of the most tragic clinical features of testis cancer is the delay in diagnosis from the time of in
