HealthyLife® Students' Self-Care Guide

Table of Contents

 Section II–Playing It Safe


Previous Topic | Next
Topic

Testicular Self-Exam (TSE)

Cancer of the testicles, the primary male sex glands, is the most common type of cancer in males aged 20 to 35.

To detect signs of testicular cancer, do a testicular self-exam (TSE) monthly or advised by your health care provider.

Doing a TSE is easy and takes only a few minutes.

1. Stand in front of a mirror. Look for any swelling on the skin of the scrotum.

2. Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers underneath the testicle and the thumbs on top. Gently roll one then the other testicle between the thumbs and fingers. One testicle may be larger. This is normal. Examine for any lumps (usually painless and about the size of a pea ) on each testicle.

3. Find the epididymis (the comma-shaped cord behind the testicle). This may be tender to the touch. Examine it for lumps.

4. Examine the vas deferens (the tubelike structure at the back of each testicle) for lumps.

Contact Your Health Care Provider For:

bullet A lump on a testicle, epididymis, or vas deferens
bullet An enlarged testicle
bullet A heavy feeling, pain, or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum or a change in the way the testicle feels
bullet A dull ache in the lower abdomen or the groin
bullet A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
bullet Enlarged or tender breasts

These can be signs of cancer or other conditions. When found early, testicular cancer is very curable. This is why a monthly TSE is very important.

For Information, Contact:

American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345 (227-2345)
www.cancer.org

Cancer Information Service
1-800-4-CANCER (422-6237)
www.cancer.gov


©2002, 3rd edition.
American Institute for Preventive Medicine
All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

July 19, 2002