Testicular Self-Examination

Testicular Self-Examination

Testicular Self-Examination

The Testicular Cancer Research Center (TCRC) recommends following these steps every month. ■ The self-exam for testicular cancer is best performed after a warm bath or shower (heat relaxes the scrotum and makes it easier to spot anything abnormal). ■ Stand in front of a mirror and check for any swelling on the scrotal 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. You shouldn’t feel any pain when doing the exam. ■ It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other. ■ Find the epididymis, the soft, tube-like 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. ■ Lumps on the epididymis are not cancerous.