Testicular
Cancer Monthly Self Exam
A testicular self exam is best performed after a
warm bath or shower. Heat relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to spot
anything abnormal. The National Cancer Institute recommends following
these steps every month:
Stand in front of a mirror.
Check for any swelling on the scrotum skin. - Examine each testicle with both hands. Place
the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed
on top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers. Don't
be alarmed if one testicle seems slightly larger than the other. That's
normal.
- Find the epididymis, the soft, tubelike
structure behind the testicle that collects and carries sperm. If you
are familiar with this structure, you won't mistake it for a suspicious
lump. Cancerous lumps usually are found on the sides of the testicle
but can also show up on the front.
- If you find a lump, see a doctor right away.
The abnormality may not be cancer, but if it is, the chances are great
it can spread if not stopped by treatment. Only a physician can make a
positive diagnosis.
Would you like information on how to receive a
free monthly reminder to perform a self exam? If so, please click here.
The video below shows how to perform a testicular
self-examination and
is from the Channel
4 Embarrassing Bodies website.
