Testicular self-exam
Healthcare providers generally recommend regular testicular self-examination to monitor for physical changes that could suggest abnormalities such as infection or tumors.
The best time for you to examine your testicles is during or after a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed.
- Hold your penis out of the way and examine each testicle separately.
- Hold your testicle between your thumbs and fingers with both hands and roll it gently between your fingers.
- Look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape, or consistency of your testicles.
It’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, and for one to hang lower than the other. You should also be aware that each normal testicle has a small, coiled tube called the epididymis that can feel like a small bump on the upper or middle outer side of the testis. Normal testicles also contain blood vessels, supporting tissues, and tubes that carry sperm. Individuals may confuse these with abnormal lumps at first. If you have any concerns, ask your health care provider.
A testicle can get larger for many reasons other than cancer. For example, fluid can collect around the testicle to form a hydrocele. Or the veins in the testicle can dilate and cause enlargement and lumpiness around the testicle. This is called a varicocele. If one testicle seems larger than the other and you are in doubt, have a healthcare provider examine you. They may recommend additional evaluation as appropriate.
It is generally recommended that testicular self-exam be performed monthly. In doing so you will learn how they normally feel so that if you notice any difference, you can see your healthcare provider for consultation. Additionally, most health care providers agree that a testicular exam should be part of a general physical exam during a routine check-up.
Note: If you are ever in doubt about a testicular lump or area of testicular/scrotal swelling, it is strongly recommended that you consider an appointment at the Student Health Center or your healthcare provider for evaluation and possibly additional testing.
From: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html