TESTICULAR SELF EXAMINATION The testicular self-examination (TSE) is an easy way for men to check their own testicles

to make sure there aren't any unusual lumps or bumps which can be the first sign of testicular cancer. Although testicular cancer is rare in teenage men, overall it is the most common cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35. It's important to try to do a TSE every month so you can become familiar with the normal size and shape of your testicles, making it easier to tell if something feels different or abnormal in the future. TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION (TSE) Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men between 15 and 35 years of age. Although it accounts for only about 1 percent of all cancers in men, it is the number one cancer killer among men in their 20's and 30's. The disease is highly curable if it is diagnosed in early stage. Men can greatly increase their chances of early diagnosis by performing a simple procedure called testicular self-examination (TSE). Risk Factors: The disease develops more frequently in Whites than in Blacks. Men with a past history of undescended testicles at birth are at higher risk. Self-exam is especially important for these individuals. How To Perform TSE: TSE should be performed once a month after a warm bath or shower. The warm temperature and water causes the scrotal skin to relax, making it easier to find a lump or mass. The procedure itself is simple and only takes a few minutes: Stand naked in front of a mirror. Look for any swelling on the skin of the scrotum. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other. Examine one testicle at a time. Use both hands to gently roll each testicle (with slight pressure) between your fingers. Place your thumbs over the top of your testicle, with the index and middle fingers of each hand behind the testicle, and then roll it between your fingers. You should be able to feel the epididymis (the sperm-carrying tube), which feels soft, rope-like, and slightly tender to pressure, and is located at the top of the back part of each testicle. This is a normal lump. Remember that one testicle (usually the right one) is slightly larger than the other for most guys this is also normal.

When examining each testicle, feel for any lumps or bumps along the front or sides. Lumps may be as small as a piece of rice or a pea. If you notice any swelling, lumps, or changes in the size or color of a testicle, or if you have any pain or achy areas in your groin, let your doctor know right away. Lumps or swelling may not be cancer, but they should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Testicular cancer is almost always curable if it is caught and treated early. The lump can be caused by different conditions, such as: Hernia Testicle injury Hydrocele Orchitis Also keep in mind; if the lump is unattached to the testicle, it is more then likely not testicular cancer.
Testicular examination and testicular self-examination (TSE) Normal: Each testicle should feel firm but not hard, and the surface should be very smooth, without any lumps or bumps. The spongy, tube-shaped structure (epididymis) may be felt on the top and down the back side of each testicle. One testicle (usually the left) may hang slightly lower than the other, and one testicle may be slightly larger than the other. This difference is usually normal. No pain or discomfort is experienced during testicular examination or TSE. Abnormal: A small, hard lump (often about the size of a pea) is felt on the surface of the testicle, or the testicle is swollen or enlarged. If you notice a lump or swelling during TSE, contact your doctor immediately. Do not delay or wait for the lump to go away, because it may be an early sign of testicular cancer. Immediate treatment provides the best chance for a cure. One or both testicles are not felt. If you cannot feel one or both testicles while performing TSE, contact your doctor. This may mean an undescended testicle. A soft collection of thin tubes (often referred to as a "bag of worms" or "spaghetti") is felt above or behind the testicle. This may mean avaricocele. Sudden (acute) pain or swelling in the scrotum that is noticed during the testicular examination or TSE may mean an infection (epididymitis) or blockage of blood flow to the testicle (testicular torsion), either of which requires immediate medical evaluation.

A free-floating lump in the scrotum that is not attached to a testicle may be present but is not a cause for concern.

PREPARED BY:mmsantos