|
Who is a
candidate
for the test?
All men who have already undergone puberty should perform a
testicular self-examination every month. A male whose testes
didn't descend into the scrotum by age 3 has a greater risk of
testicular cancer.
Definition
The
testicular self-exam is a way to screen for testicular cancer
early when it is easiest to cure. During this test, a man
examines each of his testicles for abnormal lumps. It should be
done regularly because testicular cancer has few obvious
symptoms.
How is the test performed?
A testicular self-examination (TSE) is done at home. To do a TSE,
a man should raise his right leg and rest the foot on a chair.
By gently moving the right testicle between the thumb and
fingers of one hand he should feel for any lumps on its surface.
He should then switch to his left foot on the chair and repeat
these actions on the left testicle.
A man should report any abnormalities, including lumps or an
enlarged testicle, to his healthcare provider right away.
What is involved in
preparation for the test?
A TSE works
best after a warm shower, which loosens up the muscles of the
scrotum. That allows easier manipulation of the testicles.
What do the test results
mean?
Normally, a
testicle feels firm and consistent, and its surface is smooth.
One testicle may be slightly larger and hang lower than the
other.
An
unusually enlarged testicle or a small, hard lump on the surface
of a testicle may be a sign of testicular cancer. A healthcare
provider should be consulted right away. |
