Testicular exam

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Risks

By Mayo Clinic staff

Performing a testicular exam doesn't pose any direct risks. However, if you notice something unusual that concerns you, the follow-up exams might lead to unnecessary worry and medical tests.

For example, if you discover a suspicious lump, you may undergo tests to determine its cause. This could involve blood tests, ultrasound exams or a procedure to remove testicle tissue for examination (biopsy). If the lump turns out to be noncancerous (benign), you might feel that you've undergone an invasive procedure unnecessarily.

References
  1. Testicular cancer screening (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/testicular/HealthProfessional. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
  2. Smith RA, et al. Cancer screening in the United States, 2011: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and issues in cancer screening. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2011;61:8.
  3. Screening for testicular cancer. Rockville, Md.: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspstest.htm. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
  4. Do I have testicular cancer? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/TesticularCancer/MoreInformation/DoIHaveTesticularCancer/index. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
MY00776 Dec. 2, 2011

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