MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Testicle lump

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Testicle lump

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Considerations	Common Causes Call your health care provider if What to expect at your health care provider's office Prevention

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

Alternative names Return to top

Lump in the testicle

Definition Return to top

A testicle lump is a swelling or mass in one or both testicles.

See also:

Considerations Return to top

A testicular lump that doesn't hurt may be a sign of cancer. Most cases of testicular cancer occur when men are between ages 15 and 40, although it can happen at older or younger ages.

Common Causes Return to top

Here are some possible causes of a painful testicle:

Injury or trauma
Epididymitis
Infection of the scrotal sac
Mumps
Orchitis (testicular infection)
Testicular torsion
Testicular cancer
Spermatocele (a cyst-like mass within the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells)
Varicocele (a varicose vein along the spermatic cord)

Here are some possible causes if the testicle is not painful:

Testicular cancer
Hydrocele (fluid collection in the scrotum)
Varicocele
Spermatocele
Loop of bowel from a hernia

Call your health care provider if Return to top

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 health care provider's office Return to top

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, which may include inspecting and palpating the testicles and scrotum, and ask questions about the lump, such as:

When did you notice the lump?
Have you had any previous lumps?
Is there any pain?
Does the lump change in size?
Is only one testicle involved?
Exactly where on the testicle is the lump?
Have you had any recent injuries or infections?
What other symptoms do you have?
Is there scrotal swelling?
Do you have abdominal pain?
Do you have any lumps or swelling elsewhere?
Have you ever had surgery on your testicles or in the area?
Were you born with both testicles in the scrotum?

Diagnostic tests depend on the results of the physical examination.

TREATMENT

For a lump caused by orchitis or epididymitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
For a lump caused by mumps, consult your doctor for medication while the disease runs its course.
For a lump caused by testicular torsion, see your health care provider immediately! This emergency condition is very painful and requires prompt surgical correction.
For a lump caused by cancer, radiation, and chemotherapy are treatment options.
For a lump caused by a herniated loop of bowel, surgery may be recommended.
For a lump caused by spermatocele, hydrocele, or varicocele, consult your health care provider about medication and surgical options.

Prevention Return to top

Starting in puberty, men at risk for testicular cancer should examine their testicles on a regular basis. This includes men with a family history of testicular cancer, men who have had a previous testicular tumor, or men with an undescended testicle. These men should perform a testicular self exam each month, so that a testicular mass can be detected early. A lump on the testicle may be the first sign of testicular cancer.

Update Date: 7/27/2004

Updated by: Scott M. Gilbert, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.