Prostate cancer and testicular cancer can be cured, but as with most cancers, the earlier the treatment, the better the chances for success. That's why it's important to see a doctor if you have any symptoms that might point to cancer.
Testicular and prostate cancer have different symptoms, and luckily, your doctor will often find that the cause of the symptoms is something less frightening than cancer.
But you should never ignore troubling symptoms and just hope they go away. You could lose valuable treatment time. And if your doctor discovers a more benign cause of your symptoms, then you don’t have to waste any more energy worrying.
Possible signs of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer symptoms can include the following:
- A lump or swelling in one of the testicles
- Fluid buildup in the scrotum
- A heavy feeling in the scrotum
- Pain, numbness, or other discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
- Enlarged or tender breasts
- An ache in the groin or abdomen
- Back pain
Don’t assume you are too young to have cancer. Testicular cancer can occur in men as young as their teens. And don’t assume you’re doomed if you have cancer. Testicular cancer is highly treatable.
Prostate cancer symptoms
Usually there won’t be early prostate cancer symptoms. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether prostate cancer screening is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor whether and how often you should have a digital rectal exam or a prostate specific antigen test, which can help detect prostate cancer.
Some men may experience the following symptoms after a tumor has begun to swell, although they are more likely to be symptoms of other problems:
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Difficulty urinating or difficulty holding back urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Difficulty in getting an erection
These symptoms are most likely caused by something other than cancer, but you should see a doctor to be sure, and to get treatment to relieve the problem.
Once prostate cancer has advanced, patients may experience
- Pain or stiffness in the hips, thighs, pelvis, ribs, or lower back.
- Weight loss and nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
All too often men put off seeing a doctor even if they’re having troubling symptoms. But the responsible, “manly” thing to do is make sure you take care of your body.
If you have any symptoms that concern you, the staff at Affiliated Urologists are happy to talk with you.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or contact us for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
