What are lumps in the testicles?
Quite a lot of men (and some boys) can develop lumps in their testicles. Most lumps are harmless but very occasionally they are the early sign of cancer (including testicular cancer). If you learn what normal testicles feel like, you can find lumps when they are very small. If you catch and treat these cancerous lumps early, most boys and men can get rid of the cancer completely and quite easily.

Side view showing one of two testicles in the scrotum sac with the epididymis at the top and behind of each testicle

How can I examine myself?
All boys and men should do this quick 'feeling test' regularly - maybe weekly after having a shower or bath.

• Have a relaxing, warm bath or shower first; it will make it easier because you are more relaxed and the skin is softer. Examine yourself when you are standing up and preferably where you can see yourself in a mirror.
• Look first to see if one testicle is hanging differently from usual.
• Using both hands, feel each testicle in turn.
• 'Weigh each one' in your hand, to see if they are the same size and weight (as usual).
• Put your thumb on the top and your first (index) finger beneath each one, and gently roll around the testicle. You will find a hard, sausage-shaped ridge at the top of each one. This is normal - it is the epididymis (the sperm tube).

'Supporting the scrotum in the palm of the hand to help you to note changes in the size and weight of each testicle.'	'Using both hands, gently roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers - check for lumps, irregular swellings and changes in firmness.'

What should I look out for?

• A dull ache in your testicle (very rarely a sign of trouble).
• Small, hard and painless lumps.
• Painful lumps especially at the back and top (in the sperm tube or epididymis).
• Sensitive areas.
• One testicle becoming larger.
• One testicle becoming heavier.

What should I do if I find a change?

• Don't worry - most changes will be 'normal for you', or harmless or temporary.
• This doesn't mean you should just forget about it. If you are at all worried, have a chat with your general practitioner

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