Implication of testicular self examination as a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting testicular anomalies

Abstract

To the editor,

In this letter, we intend to highlight a considerably submerged topic, testicular self-examination (TSE), in the belief of catching suspicious testicular growth early. Previously, an idea of self-breast examination was proposed with a similar principle of ‘preventing a late diagnosis of breast cancer’ and is now considered and promoted as a routine practice at various institutes. Though clinical breast examination was not found to be significantly correlated to decreasing mortality rate in women, it was, however, linked to down staging of tumors. (1)

Similarly, TSE in men is believed to help pick neoplastic growths, thereby promoting immediate implication of the management plan as testicular tumors are amenable to respond effectively to treatment, if diagnosed earlier.

On the basis of statistical evidence, testicular malignancies are commonly found to arise in cryptorchidism, Klinefelter’s syndrome, testicular microlithiasis, hypospadias and family history suggestive of testicular tumors (TT). (2)

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