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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffPerforming 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
- Testicular cancer screening (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/testicular/HealthProfessional. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
- 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.
- Screening for testicular cancer. Rockville, Md.: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspstest.htm. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
- Do I have testicular cancer? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/TesticularCancer/MoreInformation/DoIHaveTesticularCancer/index. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
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