What to do if you find something.

If you find something irregular or if anything has changed since you last checked, it doesn't mean you have cancer. So don’t panic!

But it is very important to take action. Don’t be embarrassed and have the balls to see a doctor. Don't panic, but don't put it off either. The sooner anything is diagnosed, the sooner it's treatable. You will not be wasting anyone's time and you will be doing the right thing. Remember - it's your body and it's up to you to look after it. Don't take a chance.

If the doctor isn't sure straight away, a series of tests will help suggest or discount cancer. The doctor may arrange some blood tests and/or an ultrasound examination. This uses sound waves to build up a picture of the testes and scrotum, and can distinguish between cancer and lumps due to other causes. It doesn’t hurt. It’s a bit cold but it doesn’t hurt.

After that.
Sometimes, these tests may still not totally rule out the possibility of cancer and the only certain way to detect testicular cancer then is by surgery.

During a short operation the surgeon can usually see whether the lump is cancerous or not and a small sample of tissue may be taken for immediate examination. This procedure is called a biopsy . If the biopsy shows that the lump is cancerous, the testicle will be removed. The removal of a testicle is called an orchidectomy .

Losing a testicle.
The thought of losing a testicle is probably terrifying. But its removal can sometimes be the only way to make sure that your body is rid of cancer. And, despite common belief:

And for cosmetic reasons, a replacement artificial 'testicle' is available to patients so that, in time, your outward appearance will be exactly as it was.