Testicular self-exam (TSE)

Posted on February 28th, 2008 by olga

Testicles are male reproductive organs. They create and store sperm. They as well make testosterone, a hormone that causes such male traits as facial hair and lower voice pitch.
The testicles as a rule go down into the scrotum earlier than birth. Parents ought to have their newborn sons checked by a doctor to be sure that the testicles have correctly descended. If they have not, this can be without difficulty corrected with surgery.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most widespread kind of cancer in men ages 15-35. For the reason that it accounts for only about 1 percent of all cancers in men, numerous people have never heard of this sort of cancer.

In the past testicular cancer was habitually fatal for the reason that it reach fast to vital organs. Nowadays testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers.

Symptoms

The most widespread indication of testicular cancer is a small, painless lump in a testicle or a little enlarged testicle or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower stomach or groin, a change in the way a testicle feels, or a sudden gathering of blood or fluid in the scrotum.

Testicular self-exam

Testicular self-exam (TSE) can enlarge the chances of finding a tumor near the beginning. Men should do TSE once a month - following a warm bath or shower. The heat causes the scrotal skin to calm down, making it easier to discover anything atypical. TSE is easy and only takes a few minutes. You should:

- Check each testicle softly with both hands. The index and middle fingers should be located underneath the testicle at the same time as the thumbs are located on the top.

- Roll the testicle quietly between the thumbs and fingers. One testicle may be larger than the other. This is normal.

- The epididymis is a cord-like composition on the top back of the testicle that stores and transports the sperm. Do not confuse the epididymis with an abnormal lump.

- Feel for any uncharacteristic lumps - about the size of pea - on the front or the side of the testicle. These are typically painless.

If you discover a lump

If you discover a lump, you should get in touch with your doctor immediately. The lump may be because of an infection, a medical doctor can make a decision the proper treatment. If the lump not an infection, it is possible to be cancer. Keep in mind that testicular cancer is very curable, particularly detected and treated early. Testicular cancer almost always happens in only one testicle, and the other testicle is all that is needed for full sexual function.

You should visit your doctor from time to time

Habit testicular self-exams are significant but they cannot replace with a doctor’s examination. Your doctor should look at your testicle when have a physical exam. You as well can ask your doctor to make sure the way you do TSE.