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Testicle lump
Lump in the testicle; Scrotal mass
A testicle lump is swelling or a growth (mass) in one or both testicles.
Considerations
A testicle lump that does not hurt may be a sign of cancer. Most cases of testicular cancer occur in men ages 15 to 40. It can also occur at older or younger ages.
Causes
Possible causes of a painful scrotal mass include:
- A cyst-like lump in the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells (spermatocele)
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Epididymitis
Epididymitis
Epididymitis is swelling (inflammation) of the tube that connects the testicle with the vas deferens. The tube is called the epididymis.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Infection of the scrotal sac
- Injury or trauma
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Mumps
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food...
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Orchitis
(testicular infection)
Orchitis
Orchitis is swelling (inflammation) of one or both of the testicles.
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Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord, which supports the testes in the scrotum. When this occurs, blood supply is cut off to the...
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Varicocele
Varicocele
A varicocele is the swelling of the veins inside the scrotum. These veins are found along the cord that holds up a man's testicles (spermatic cord)....
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Possible causes if the scrotal mass is not painful:
-
Hydrocele
Hydrocele
A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac in the scrotum.
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Loop of bowel from a
hernia
Hernia
A groin lump is swelling in the groin area. This is where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen.
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- Testicular cancer
- Varicocele
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider right away if you notice any unexplained lumps or any other changes in your testicles.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will examine you. This may include looking at and feeling ( palpating ) the testicles and scrotum . You will be asked questions about your health history and symptoms, such as:
Palpating
Palpation is a method of feeling with the fingers or hands during a physical examination. The health care provider touches and feels your body to ex...
Scrotum
The scrotum is a part of a male's body that is located behind the penis. The scrotum is the sac (pouch) that contains the testes, epididymis, and th...
- When did you notice the lump?
- Have you had any previous lumps?
- Do you have any pain? Does the lump change in size?
- Exactly where on the testicle is the lump? Is only one testicle involved?
- Have you had any recent injuries or infections? Have you ever had surgery on your testicles or in the area?
- What other symptoms do you have?
-
Is there
scrotal swelling
?
Scrotal swelling
Scrotal swelling is abnormal enlargement of the scrotum. This is the name for the sac surrounding the testicles.
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Do you have
abdominal pain
or lumps or swelling anywhere else?
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.
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Tests and treatments depend on the results of the physical exam.
Prevention
Starting in puberty, men at risk for testicular cancer may be taught to do regular exams of their testicles. This includes men with:
- A family history of testicular cancer
- A past tumor of the testicle
- An undescended testicle, even if the testicle on the other side has descended
If you have a lump in your testicle, tell your health care provider right away. A lump on the testicle may be the first sign of testicular cancer. Many men with testicular cancer have been given a wrong diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to go back to your provider if you have a lump that doesn't go away.
References
Barthold JS. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 132.
Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 539.
Stephenson AJ. Gilligan TD. Neoplasms of the testis. In:Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 31.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Testicular Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmation recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med . 2011;154:483-6. PMID: 21464350 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21464350 .
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Male reproductive anatomy - illustration
The male reproductive structures include the penis, the scrotum, the seminal vesicles and the prostate.
Male reproductive anatomy
illustration
Review Date: 1/21/2015
Reviewed By: Scott Miller, MD, urologist in private practice in Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
