Lump on Testicle (Scrotal Mass)

Overview

A lump on the testicle is a small, unusual bump, or swelling you can feel or see on one of your testicles. You can experience a painless lump on testicle or the lump with severe pain. It might feel like a little ball or lump under the skin of your scrotum (the sack that holds the testicles). Testicle lumps occur due to fluid buildup, cysts, swollen veins, or in rare instances, testicular cancer. 

Causes

A lump on your testicle can be caused by different conditions, ranging from harmless to more serious issues like testicular cancer. Here are common lump on testicle causes: 

• Hydrocele

This happens when fluid builds up around the testicle, causing a painless swelling or bump on scrotum. 

• Epididymal Cysts

A cyst in the epididymis (a small tube behind the testicle) is usually harmless and feels like a pea-sized lump on testicle. 

• Varicocele

Swollen veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins, can create a hard lump on the testicle or swelling feeling like a bag of worms. 

• Spermatocele (epididymis hard lump)

A cyst in the epididymis filled with fluid and dead sperm cells is generally benign. It is more common among men who have had vasectomies or testicular injuries. A spermatocele can be left untreated unless it is growing too large or causing the individual discomfort. The male reproductive system is viewed from a sagittal section.

• Inguinal Hernia

Part of the intestine can push into the scrotum, causing a bulge or lump that’s more noticeable when coughing or straining. 

• Testicular Cancer

Less common but important to consider. Testicular cancer appears as a painless lump or swelling. it is caused when cancer cells develop in the tissues of one or both of your testicles. Most testicular masses are not cancerous, but any new lump should be checked by a physician. 

• Testicular Torsion

Happens when there is a twisting of the testes or the spermatic cord, a tube carrying semen to the penis. However, any patient with acute scrotal pain and a mass should be urgently evaluated for testicular torsion.

• Infections or Inflammation

Certain infections or inflammation in the testicles or epididymis can lead to swelling and lumps. 

What are Benign Scrotal Masses?

Benign scrotal masses are non-cancerous lumps or swellings in the scrotum, which can include conditions like hydroceles, spermatoceles, and varicoceles. These masses are usually painless and not life-threatening but may require medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management.

Can std cause a lump on testicle?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia can lead to a condition called epididymitis, which causes pain and swelling in the testicles. However, these STDs usually do not directly cause a lump on the testicle.

What causes an enlarged testicle?

An enlarged testicle can happen because of different things like infection (epididymitis, orchitis), fluid buildup (hydrocele), swollen veins (varicocele), injury, or sometimes, testicular cancer.

What causes swollen testicles?

Here some commonly swollen testicles cause, like epididymitis or orchitis, trauma or injury to the testicles, testicular torsion (twisting of the spermatic cord), hydrocele (fluid buildup), varicocele (enlarged veins), hernia, or rarely, testicular cancer.

Symptoms

Lump on Testicle symptoms vary depending on what’s causing it. Here are common signs you might notice: 

• Lump or Sweling

The main sign is feeling a lump or swelling on the testicle or inside the scrotum. It can feel firm, hard, or filled with fluid. The size and location of the lump can vary. 

• Pain or Discomfort

Some individuals feel pain or discomfort in the affected testicle, scrotum, groin, or lower abdomen. The pain can range from mild to severe and may come and go. 

• Changes in Testicle Size or Shape 

The affected testicle might look larger or smaller than usual, or feel heavier. 

• Swelling or Enlargement 

The scrotum or testicle can become visibly swollen or larger. 

• Heaviness or Pulling Sensation 

You might feel a heaviness, pulling, or dragging in the scrotum because of the lump. 

• Changes in Skin

The skin over the scrotum or testicle might look red, inflamed, or feel warm. 

Other Symptoms (With Specific Conditions Like Testicular Cancer)

• A painless lump or mass on the testicle. 
• Dull ache in the lower abdomen, groin, or back. 
• Fluid buildup in the scrotum (hydrocele). 
• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia). 
• General fatigue, weight loss, or other signs of illness if cancer has spread. 

Remember, not all testicular lumps mean cancer. Many non-cancerous conditions can cause similar symptoms. 

Diagnosis

To be on the safe side, it’s essential to get a scrotal mass checked by a healthcare professional, even if you don’t have pain or other symptoms. For Lump on Testicle diagnosis, your family physician may use the following tests:

• Physical Exam

The primary care physician will feel your scrotum and groin area while you stand and lie down to check for abnormalities. However, they will also ask for your family history of testicular cancer or other health problems with the scrotum. Besides, they will ask for personal medical history, including previous scrotal masses, undescended testicles, or genital conditions.

• Transillumination

This involves shining a bright light through the scrotum to get more information about the size, location, and nature of the mass.

• Ultrasound

This test uses sound waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body. It can show the size, location, and type of scrotal mass and also the condition of the testicles. An ultrasound is often needed to diagnose a scrotal mass.

• Urine Test

A urine sample can be tested to detect infections caused by viruses or bacteria. It can also reveal the presence of blood or pus.

• Blood Test

Blood tests can identify a bacterial or viral infection. They can also detect certain proteins that may be linked with testicular cancer.

• Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

If testicular cancer is suspected, a CT scan may be done. This series of X-rays examines your chest, stomach area, and groin to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

These tests help physicians determine the cause of the scrotal lump and guide appropriate treatment.

Treatment

The Lump on Testicle treatment depends on what’s causing it. Here are common treatments for different conditions:

• Hydrocele

   – Small hydroceles that don’t cause issues might not need treatment.

   – Larger or bothersome hydroceles can be drained with a needle or surgically removed.

• Epididymal Cyst (Spermatocele)

   – Small, painless cysts may not need treatment.

   – Large or uncomfortable cysts can be surgically removed.

• Varicocele

   – Mild varicoceles that don’t cause problems may not need treatment.

   – If a varicocele causes pain or affects fertility, surgery to repair it may be recommended.

• Testicular Torsion

   – Testicular Torsion is an emergency requiring immediate surgery to fix the twisted testicle and restore blood flow.

• Inguinal Hernia

   – Surgery is usually needed to repair inguinal hernias and prevent complications.

• Orchitis or Epididymitis (Infection)

   – Bacterial infections causing orchitis or epididymitis are treated with antibiotics.

   – Pain and swelling can be managed with medications.

• Testicular Cancer

   – Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery to remove the affected testicle, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

When To See A Doctor

If you find a lump in your testicles, it’s important to see a doctor right away. It’s hard to know what’s causing the lump without a physician’s exam.

It can be helpful to think about any other symptoms you’ve noticed. You might have had an infection or an injury to the testicle. Sharing this information with the physician can help them figure out what’s going on.

Why is there a lump on my testicle skin? 

A lump on testicle skin could be from things like a cyst, ingrown hair, or a harmless growth. Visit a physician to find out what it is.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about lump on testicle or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.