Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has opened up about a testicular cancer scare after discovering a painful lump on one of his testicles. Johnson said he initially hoped the lump would disappear on its own before eventually seeking medical advice. After an examination, doctors told him the cause could be one of two things: testicular cancer or epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube that stores and carries sperm.
An ultrasound later confirmed Johnson was fine, though the experience left him facing an anxious day of uncertainty while fulfilling work commitments before getting those results.
By the way: I'm fine. But I didn't know that then, and the thing was really painful.
Johnson's comments arrive alongside medical guidance on recognizing testicular cancer early. Although testicular cancer is one of the less common forms of cancer, it remains a serious concern for younger men.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 35.
Timothy Gilligan, M.D., a testicular cancer medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic, offered that assessment. In fact, 79 percent of all cases of testicular cancer occur in men 44 or younger, according to the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and EndResults Program (SEER).
Testicular cancer is extremely treatable.
For every 100 men diagnosed with testicular cancer, 96 are cured.
Dr. Gilligan noted that if testicular cancer is caught early in its localised stage, meaning the cancer has not yet spread to lymph nodes or other organs, chances of beating it are higher. About 99 percent of men diagnosed with localised testicular cancer survive five years or more, according to SEER data.
In many cases, testicular cancer is caught early because you notice its most common symptom: the presence of a lump on your testicle. Beyond that sign, experts flagged five less obvious symptoms men should know:
- A heavy feeling in the scrotum or belly. A heavy feeling in the testicles or lower abdomen can signal something is not right. A heavy feeling of pressure in the scrotum or lower belly is likely due to extra fluid or enlarged lymph nodes. In fact, this is actually one of the more common symptoms of testicular cancer. Dr. Gilligan said.
- An enlarged or shrinking testicle. Whether we're talking about an increase or a decrease, any change to the size of your testicles could signal testicular cancer. Dr. Gilligan said. Changes in testicle size are usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, either due to a reduction in testosterone or an increase in estrogen, which can occur with certain types of testicular tumors.
- Blood clots. Testis cancer can cause blood clots. Dr. Gilligan said. These clots most commonly occur in the legs, causing them to swell up. Blood clots from DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can include pain and difficulty breathing.
- Breast growth or soreness. Some testicular tumors produce hormones that cause breast tenderness or growth of breast tissue (gynecomastia). Some tumors can secrete high levels of a hormone called humanchorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which stimulates breast development. Tumors can also produce estrogen, which can spur breast development and lower sex drive.
- Lower back pain and shortness of breath. Both are symptoms of more advanced testicular cancer. Advanced testicular cancer means the cancer is no longer contained to the testicles and has possibly spread to lymph nodes in the back of the stomach.
