Teacher’s testicular cancer diagnosed after self‑check saves his life

Colin Nolan, a 26‑year‑old primary school teacher from Tipperary, discovered a testicular tumour after noticing a slight enlargement in his left testicle in September 2024 and seeking medical advice.

Following an appointment with his GP, Nolan was referred for an ultrasound, which unexpectedly identified irregularities in his right testicle. He was then sent to an oncologist at Mercy Hospital, Cork, in January 2025, where a further scan confirmed a mass.

On the same day, surgeons removed the affected testicle. Post‑operative CT scanning showed the cancer had spread to abdominal lymph nodes, prompting a planned three‑month chemotherapy regimen.

Three days before chemotherapy was to begin, consultants diagnosed a “100 % pure testicular teratoma”, a rare form of cancer, and cancelled the chemotherapy, recommending a second operation instead.

The required retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed by Mr Arun Thomas at Tallaght University Hospital on 16 July 2025. Nolan prepared for the eight‑hour surgery by intensive running, but the operation damaged the nerve controlling ejaculation, meaning future fertility will require treatment.

Nolan’s family, girlfriend, rugby team and school community at Loughmore National School provided vital support throughout his treatment.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Arthur Uzoagba / Pexels.