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Testicular exam and testicular self-exam
(TSE) are two different procedures which help detect lumps in the testicles.
The two testicles, or testes, are
inside the scrotum. The testicles are the male reproductive organs that produce
sperm and the male hormone testosterone. Each testicle is approximately
the size and shape of a small egg. At the back of each testicle is the epididymis,
a coiled tube that collects and stores sperm.
The testicles develop within the
abdomen of the male fetus and normally descend into the scrotum before or shortly after
birth. A testicle that has not descended can increase the risk for testicular
cancer.
Testicular exam
A testicular exam includes a complete
physical examination of the groin and genital organs (penis, scrotum, and testicles)
by a health professional. The health professional will feel (palpate) the organs and examine them for
the presence of lumps, swelling, shrinking
(testicular atrophy), or other visual signs of an abnormality. A testicular
exam can detect the causes of pain, inflammation, swelling, congenital abnormalities
(such as an absent or undescended testicle), and lumps or masses that may
indicate testicular cancer.
An examination of the genitals
is an important part of a routine physical exam for every boy and man, regardless
of age. Male infants and newborn babies should also have their genitals examined
for congenital abnormalities of the testicles, especially an undescended testicle. An
undescended testicle is more common in premature male infants than in full-term
male infants.
Regular testicular examination is
recommended for men between the ages of 15 and 40 to detect testicular cancer
in its early stages. Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in
men under the age of 35. Many testicular cancers are first discovered by men
themselves (or their sexual partners) as a lump or enlarged swollen testicle.
In the early stages of testicular cancer, the lump (about the size of a pea)
usually is not painful. If testicular cancer is found early and treated promptly,
then it has a very high cure rate.
Testicular self-exam (TSE)
Testicular self-exam (TSE) may detect
testicular cancer at an early stage. Many testicular cancers are first discovered
by self-exam as a painless lump or an enlarged testicle.
Some doctors recommend that men between the ages of 15 and 40 perform monthly testicular
self-examination. However, this is controversial. Many doctors do not believe
that monthly TSE is necessary for men at average risk of developing testicular
cancer. Monthly TSE may be recommended for men at high risk of developing
testicular cancer. This includes men with a history of an undescended testicle
or a family or personal history of testicular cancer.
Many testicular lumps are cancerous
and require immediate treatment. Usually the affected testicle is removed by surgery.
In some cases, the lymph nodes may also be removed and chemotherapy or radiation
therapy may be given. An artificial testicle may be inserted into the scrotum
to provide a normal appearance. Since one normal testicle remains,
a man's sexual and reproductive functions usually are not affected.
Testicular Exam and Testicular Self-Exam (TSE)
Results
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Testicular exam and
testicular self-exam (TSE) |
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Normal:
| Each testicle should feel firm but not hard, and the surface
should be very smooth, without any lumps or bumps. The spongy, tubelike structure
(epididymis) may be felt on the top and down the back side of each testicle.
One testicle (usually the left) may hang slightly lower than the other, and
one testicle may be slightly larger than the other. This difference is usually
normal. |
No pain or discomfort is experienced
during testicular exam or TSE. | Abnormal:
| A small, hard lump (often about the size of a pea) is felt on the surface
of the testicle, or the testicle is swollen or enlarged. If you notice a lump
or swelling during TSE, contact your health professional immediately. Do not
delay or wait for the lump to go away, because it may be an early sign of
cancer. Immediate treatment provides the best chance for a cure. | |
One or both testicles are not felt. If you cannot feel one or
both testicles while performing TSE, contact your health professional. This
may indicate an undescended testicle. | |
A soft collection of thin tubes (often referred to as a "bag
of worms" or "spaghetti") is felt above or behind the testicle. This may indicate
a varicocele. | Sudden (acute) pain or swelling in the scrotum that is noticed
during the testicular exam or TSE may indicate an infection (epididymitis)
or blockage of blood flow to the testicle (testicular torsion), either of which require prompt attention.
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