ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Testicle lump

Definition

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

See also:

• Testicular cancer
• Testicular pain
• Testicular self exam

Alternative Names

Considerations

A testicle lump that does not hurt may be a sign of cancer. Most cases of testicular cancer occur in men ages 15 - 40, although it can also occur at older or younger ages.

Causes

Possible causes of a painful testicle include:

• A cyst-like lump in the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells (spermatocele)
• Epididymitis
• Infection of the scrotal sac
• Injury or trauma
• Mumps
• Orchitis (testicular infection)
• Testicular torsion
• Testicular cancer
• Varicocele

Possible causes if the testicle is not painful:

• Hydrocele
• Loop of bowel from a hernia
• Spermatocele
• 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.

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

• When did you notice the lump?
• Have you had any previous lumps?
• Do you have 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 anywhere else?
• 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.

Treatments may include:

• For a lump caused by orchitis or epididymitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
• For a lump caused by mumps, your doctor may give you 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 surgical correction right away.
• For a lump caused by cancer, surgery (orchiectomy), 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, ask your health care provider about medication and surgery options.

Prevention

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
• A previous tumor of the testicle
• An undescended testicle

These men should perform a testicular self exam each month, so that a testicular lump can be found early. A lump on the testicle may be the first sign of testicular cancer.

Richie JP, Steele GS. Neoplasms of the testis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 29.

Schneck FX, Bellinger MF. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 127.

Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 545.