At a very early age, women are taught to perform regular self-breast exams. Unfortunately, men are frequently not taught about self-testicular exams. But self-testicular exams are extremely important--especially in college age males.

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 40. Because men in this age group do not see their physician frequently, most testicular lumps are discovered by the men themselves or by their sexual partners. That is why all men should perform a self-testicular exam monthly. In 90% of cases the men have no pain in their testicles to warn them; so unless they examine their testicles they can be completely unaware of any problem.

Most forms of testicular cancer can be completely cured if detected early and treated promptly. (Look at Lance Armstrong for a success story!) However, if treatment is delayed, these cancers can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal.

The cause of testicular tumors is still unknown. It is well recognized that a testicle that has not assumed its normal position in the scrotum by age 10 has a higher risk of developing cancer. This is referred to as an undescended testicle. If the undescended testicle is repaired before the age of 10, there is no increased risk. Heredity and genetic background may also have some influence, which may explain why testicular tumors are not common in men of African and Asian descent.

Each testicle is located within its own compartment in the scrotum. The testicle itself has the consistency of a ripe plum with a very smooth surface and will be tender if squeezed. Behind the testicle is a firmer structure called the epidimis. The epidimis drapes over the top of the testicle and courses behind the length of the testicle to its lower pole. The epidimis is a tightly coiled tube where sperm is stored and mature. The vas deferens is a firm tube that carries the mature sperm away from the bottom of the epidimis.

The best time to examine the testicle is during or after a warm shower, when the skin of the scrotum is smooth and relaxed. Both hands should be used and the testes should be rolled between the thumbs and fingers with gentle pressure. The entire surface of the testicle and epidimis should be examined. Any irregular feeling or lump on the usually smooth surface may be abnormal. If you do not perform the exam regularly, you will not be familiar enough with your own anatomy to appreciate a subtle change. The normal testicle usually feels smooth and spongy. What you are trying to feel is any pea-sized lumps or other irregularities.

If you feel a hard lump on the testicle, or if you feel any pain during your self-exam, you should see a physician right away.

Your health care provider may choose to do a painless test called an ultrasound, or refer you to a specialist called a urologist. Not all lumps are cancer. Chances are you are quite healthy or have a condition that is easily treated. The most common causes of lumps in the scrotum are viral infections and some sexually transmitted infections. These lumps are usually in the epidimis and are accompanied by pain. But remember, if you do have a cancer, any delay in treatment gives it more time to spread and makes it harder to treat successfully.

Most types of testicular tumors are curable with surgery and other treatment. Removal of one testicle does not interfere with normal sexual function or the ability to have children. Sometimes the surgery is followed with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

There have been tremendous improvements in the treatment of testicular tumors in the past several years. The best cure rate is achieved when the tumor is treated at an early stage. That is why it is critical for all college-aged men to examine their testicles monthly, and to seek medical attention immediately if any changes are noted.