Did you find any changes?

Don't panic

If you notice changes, don't wait to contact your GP. Remember: 9 out of 10 problems found in the testicles are not testicular cancer. Since early diagnosis means better recovery rates and easier treatment, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Once you are in the hands of a specialist, sharing your concerns with a urologist will help you get professional help and make the best decisions. Never forget that more than 98% of testicular cancer patients recover - even when it has spread to other parts of the body.Urological consultation is often stigmatised because there are still people who think it is some kind of humiliation of masculinity or something that should be hidden from society. A man who comes to see a urologist on his own should be proud and tell his friends about it. Weigh up whether to stay alive or stay dignified. A consultation, an examination is not scary, urologists give full information about all treatment and diagnostic options.

What's waiting for you when you see a urologist?

First, the doctor will listen to your complaints, examine your testicles and other organs, and prescribe tests. Often, after examining the testicles, the doctor can estimate whether the lesions are similar to those of testicular cancer. An ultrasound examination of the testicles is performed to assess the lesions more accurately. This examination allows a more accurate assessment of whether a nodule in the testicle or an enlargement of the testicle is due to cancer or to another cause.

However, surgery is the only way to fully investigate and confirm the diagnosis of cancer. During surgery, the surgeon removes a small piece of abnormal testicular tissue, which is quickly examined under a microscope by a pathologist. If testicular cancer is detected, an orchofuniculectomy is performed, i.e. the entire testicle is removed. The removed testicle is examined microscopically by a pathologist to clarify the type of tumour.

After this operation, the patient can go home the next day. If the cancer has not spread beyond the testicle, the orchofuniculectomy may be sufficient and no other treatment will be needed. However, regular health checks will be needed for several years. Removal of one testicle does not affect a man's ability to have sex or prevent him from having children. If cancer is detected in the testicular tissue, tests will be carried out to see if the cancer has spread to other organs in other parts of the body.

Other symptoms may be related to testicular cancer, but may also be due to completely different causes:

  • lower abdominal or groin pain or dull aching;

  • back pain or soreness;

  • enlargement of the breasts or nipples (some testicular tumours produce female hormones);

  • chest pain, shortness of breath, expectoration of bloody sputum - as the disease spreads (metastases in the lungs);

in testicular disease, the testicles may be: painful, enlarged or shrunken, nodules or fluid build-up; problems such as infertility, reduced or disappearing sexual potency may occur.


Facilities providing specialised oncology care in Lithuania:

Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics;
National Cancer Institute;
The Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno klinikos;
Klaipėda University Hospital;
Republican Šiauliai Hospital;
Republican Panevėžys Hospital.

There is no shame in a man taking care of his health

Embarrassed to come for a urology consultation?
Weigh up whether to stay alive or stay dignified.