It is easy to get concerned when the body undergoes changes and lumps and bumps are a common source of anxiety. Speaking to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning, Dr Sara issued some essential advice. The most important consideration is “what is your normal”, she said.
How to tell if your lump is cancerous
According to Bupa, the first sign of testicular cancer is a swollen testicle or a hard lump on your testicle.
“Usually, you won’t have a painful testicle but you might feel pain or discomfort in your scrotum,” explains the health body.
There are additional symptoms that can signal testicular cancer too.
Other testicular cancer symptoms include:
- A pulling sensation or heavy feeling in your scrotum
- A testicle that looks bigger than usual
- A dull ache in your lower tummy
- A collection of fluid in your scrotum (called a hydrocoele).
How to tell your lump is a sign of breast cancer
“The first symptom of breast cancer most people notice is a lump in their breast or some thickening,” explains Cancer Research UK.
A lump or swelling in your armpit is also telltale sign of breast cancer, warns the charity.
“A less common cause of swollen lymph glands or lump in the armpit is breast cancer that has spread to this area,” explains the health body.
“It is important to always get a breast lump checked by your doctor.”
A more benign cause of lumps is a skin cyst, noted Dr Sara.
A skin cyst is a fluid-filled lump just underneath the skin.
“It’s common and harmless, and may disappear without treatment,” explains the NHS.
Lumps can also be a sign of an abscess – a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection, explained Dr Sara.
