The main symptom of testicular cancer is finding a swelling of one of the testicles. There are a number of causes for swelling of the testicles but a solid feeling lump is more likely to be cancer.

Swellings in the scrotum, the sack of skin surrounding the testicles, are quite common and most of these are not cancer, particularly if they are separate from the testicles themselves.

The Department of Health has given guidelines to family doctors (GPs) suggesting they should arrange an urgent appointment with a specialist in testicular disease (called a urologist) to check anyone who comes with a lump in one of their testicles.

As we have said, there can be other causes apart from cancer for a lump in the testicle but the important thing is that if you develop a swelling you should see your GP who can discuss this with you and, if they think it is necessary, arrange an urgent appointment with a specialist to be on the safe side.