In some people, testicular cancer does not cause any noticeable symptoms, and it may be found during tests for other conditions. When there are symptoms, the most common ones are a swelling or a lump in the testicle (usually painless) and/or a change in a testicle’s size or shape (e.g. hardness or swelling).
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have testicular cancer. They can be caused by other conditions, such as cysts, which are harmless lumps in the scrotum. If you find any lump, however, it’s important to see your doctor for a check-up.
Occasionally, testicular cancer may cause other symptoms such as:
- a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- a feeling of unevenness between the testicles
- pain or ache in the lower abdomen, testicle or scrotum
- enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue
- back pain
- stomach-aches.
If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
Prof Declan Murphy, Urologist and Director of Genitourinary Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Gregory Bock, Urology Cancer Nurse Coordinator, WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, North Metropolitan Health Service, WA; A/Prof Nicholas Brook, Senior Consultant Urological Surgeon, Royal Adelaide Hospital and The University of Adelaide, SA; Clinical A/Prof Peter Grimison, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and The University of Sydney, NSW; Dr Tanya Holt, Senior Radiation Oncologist, Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Hospital Raymond Terrace (ROPART), QLD; Brodie Kitson, Consumer; Elizabeth Medhurst, Genitourinary and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Rosemary Watson, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
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