Luckily we have
the benefit of having two testicles. This helps enormously to identify
differences that may be significant. To perform testicular self examination,
something that men should perform once a fortnight grasp one of the
testicles with one hand and use it to control the movement of the
testicle as your other hand examines. You are searching for several
things :-
The first step
is to identify the anatomy, feeling through the skin of the scrotum,
try to identify the epididymis and the body of the testicle. It
is the body of the testicle where testicular cancers most commonly
arise.
Solid lumps
arising from the body (or rugby ball part of the testicle).
The testes should
have a little bit of give when squeezed. When a testicle contains
testicular cancer it gradually becomes much harder than the normal
testicle.
It is quite
common for men to come to their doctor with a testicular cancer
after a sporting injury. The injury does not cause the cancer but
it leads to the examination and then the discovery of a lump.
Click on the
play movie button next to the diagram to see this information as
an animation.
