Testicular cancer

Signs and symptoms

Testicular cancer symptoms

If the cancer is only in the testicle:

  • A painless lump or swelling in a testicle
  • Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum, groin or abdomen (tummy)
  • An enlarged testicle or change in the way your testicle feels
  • A heavy feeling in your scrotum

If the cancer has spread outside the testicle:

  • A dull ache in your back
  • Pain in your abdomen (tummy)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swollen lymph glands in the abdomen, groin or chest

About 1 in 10 testicular cancers have spread outside the testicle when they are diagnosed. 

All these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. Most swellings in the scrotum are not cancer. But it’s important to go to the GP and get any lumps or unusual changes checked.

Can I be screened for testicular cancer?

Testing for cancer when you have no symptoms is called screening. There is no national screening programme for testicular cancer in Ireland. 

Go to your GP if you’re worried about testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer - What you should know
Testicular cancer - What you should know
Booklet 10 pages 343.14 KB
This leaflet has facts about testicular cancer, how to check your testicles, and signs and symptoms to look out for.
How to check your testicles
How to check your testicles
Poster 1 page 2.8 MB
Information on how to check your testicles. An A4 infographic to download, print, or share.

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