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Ask the Doctor
Doctor Aamer Khan
In the first of a regular series, Doctor Aamer Khan will be answering your health concerns. If you have a problem that you’d like Doctor Khan to address, please send your question to editor@pridelife.co.uk
I've just noticed small a lump on one of my testicles. It's not painful, but I'm worried that it might be something serious. What should I do?
This is an excellent question and poses a real health issue for all men.
Lumps on the testes can be common and are often benign, in the form of cysts, which can be congenital or post traumatic. Infections are usually associated with pain and inflammation, though not always, e.g. TB or syphilis.
Tumours of the testis are less common and can be benign, malignant or very aggressively malignant. The risk of testicular tumour increases with age, and there are some age specific tumours which can occur in the 35-50, 50-60 and over 60 age groups.
It is very important for all men to regularly examine their testes, when in the shower or bath, and if a lump is detected, to see their GP for further assessment. I would advise a testicular examination by your doctor as part of an annual health check in all men over the age of 40 years.
Doctor Aamer Khan is a Principal in General Practice in the NHS, as well as a founding Director of The Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic specialising in Cosmetic Medicine in Harley Street. For more information visit www.harleystreetskin.co.uk/
