Testicular cancer signs, symptoms Published June 22, 2007 By Maj. William Reynolds and Maria Kruel 31st Medical Group Aviano Air Base, Italy -- National Men's Health Week was last week and the 31st Medical Group would like to raise the awareness of testicular cancer. About 8,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer, and about 390 men die of this disease each year. Testicular cancer occurs most often in men between the ages of 20 and 39, and is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 34. The exact causes of testicular cancer are unknown. However, studies have shown that several factors increase a man's chance of developing this disease. Factors include: · Undescended testicle - Normally, the testicles descend from inside the abdomen into the scrotum before birth. The risk of testicular cancer is increased in males with a testicle that does not move down into the scrotum. This risk does not change even after surgery to move the testicle into the scrotum. The increased risk applies to both testicles. · Congenital abnormalities - Men born with abnormalities of the testicles, penis, or kidneys, as well as those with inguinal hernia (hernia in the groin area, where the thigh meets the abdomen), may be at increased risk. · History of testicular cancer - Men who have had testicular cancer are at increased risk of developing cancer in the other testicle. · Family history of testicular cancer - The risk for testicular cancer is greater in men whose brother or father has had the disease. Most testicular cancers are found by men themselves. Also, doctors generally examine the testicles during routine physical exams. Between regular checkups, if a man notices anything unusual about his testicles, he should talk with his doctor. Men should see a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms: · A painless lump or swelling in a testicle · Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum · Any enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels · A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum · A dull ache in the lower abdomen, back, or groin · A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum These symptoms can be caused by cancer or by other conditions. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of any of these symptoms. To help find the cause of symptoms, the doctor will evaluate a man's general health. The doctor also performs a physical exam and may order laboratory and diagnostic tests. These tests include a blood test, ultrasound, and biopsy. This cancer remains rare, affecting only one percent of all cancers in U.S. men. Taking care of yourself should be of top priority. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and being proactive about medical care are many steps to becoming healthier. For more information, visit http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/testicular. The National Cancer Institute contributed to this article.