*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature P: Personality Disorders.

Symptoms

Main symptoms of testicular cancer

Testicular cancer usually only affects one testicle, but it can affect both.

Symptoms of testicular cancer include:

a lump or swelling in your testicle
your testicle getting bigger
an ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles)
your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard

Other symptoms can include:

an ache or pain in your back or lower tummy
losing weight without trying
a cough
difficulty breathing or swallowing
a sore or swollen chest

It's important to check your testicles regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your testicles.

See a GP if:

you have a lump or swelling on one or both of your testicles
one or both of your testicles are getting bigger
your scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles) feels heavy, firm or hard
you have an ache or pain in your scrotum or one or both of your testicles
you notice a change in one of both of your testicles that is not normal for you

Important

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have testicular cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.

What happens at the GP appointment

The GP will ask you about your symptoms and general health. They will check your testicles and the lymph nodes (small glands that are part of the body's immune system) at the top of your legs.

They may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.

This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Find out more

Cancer Research UK: seeing your GP about testicular cancer symptoms

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature P: Personality Disorders. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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