Testicle lump
Lump in the testicle; Scrotal massA 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.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is cancer that starts in the testicles. The testicles are the male reproductive glands located in the scrotum.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
Possible causes of a painful scrotal mass include:
- A cyst-like lump in the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells (spermatocele). (This condition sometimes does not cause pain.)
- Epididymitis.
Epididymitis
Epididymitis is swelling (inflammation) of the tube that connects the testicle with the vas deferens. The tube is called the epididymis.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Infection of the scrotal sac.
- Injury or trauma.
- 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Orchitis (testicular infection).
Orchitis
Orchitis is swelling (inflammation) of one or both of the testicles.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Testicular torsion.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion is twisting of the spermatic cord, which supports the testes in the scrotum. When this occurs, blood supply is cut off to the tes...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Testicular cancer.
- 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:
- Loop of bowel from a hernia (this may or may not cause pain)
Hernia
A groin lump is swelling in the groin area. This is where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Hydrocele
- Spermatocele
- Testicular cancer
- Varicocele
- Cyst of epididymis or testicle
Home Care
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.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleScrotum
The scrotum is a part of a male's body that is located below the penis. The scrotum is the sac (pouch) that contains the testes, epididymis, and the...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article- 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.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - 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.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Were you born with both testicles in the scrotum?
Tests and treatments depend on the results of the physical exam. A scrotal ultrasound may be done to find the cause of the swelling.
References
Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, St. GemeJW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 560.
Fadich A, Giorgianni SJ, Rovito MJ, et al. USPSTF testicular examination nomination-self-examinations and examinations in a clinical setting. Am J Mens Health. 2018;12(5):1510-1516. PMID: 29717912 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29717912/.
Palmer LS, Palmer JS. Management of abnormalities of the external genitalia in boys. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.
Stephenson AJ, Gilligan TD. Neoplasms of the testis. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 76.
Male reproductive anatomy - illustration
The male reproductive structures include the penis, the scrotum, the testicles (testes), the epididymis, the seminal vesicles, and the prostate.
Male reproductive anatomy
illustration
Review Date: 1/1/2023
Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.