What Is A Testicular Lump?
A testicular lump is an abnormal mass that can form in your testicles. The testicles, or testes, are egg-shaped male reproductive organs that hang below the penis in a sac called the scrotum. Their primary function is to produce sperm and a hormone called testosterone.
A testicular mass, or lump, is a fairly common condition that can have many different causes. Testicular lumps can occur in men, teenage boys, or younger children. They may be located in one or both of your testicles. Testicular lumps are signs of problems with your testicles. They may be caused by an injury, but they can also indicate a serious underlying medical problem.
Not all lumps indicate the presence of testicular cancer. Most lumps are caused by benign, or noncancerous, conditions. These usually require no treatment. Still, your doctor should examine any changes in your testicles, especially lumps or swelling. There are no studies that show benefits or harm to clinical or personal testicular exams. Whether or not men should do monthly testicle self-examinations is a controversial issue. However, if you happen to notice anything unusual, make an appointment with your doctor for a testicular exam. They can treat you early for potential problems.
Symptoms Of A Testicular Lump
Nearly all testicular lumps cause noticeable swelling and changes in the texture of your testicle. Other symptoms vary, depending on the underlying cause of your testicular lump:
A varicocele rarely causes symptoms. If it does cause symptoms, the affected testicle may feel heavier than the other testicle or the lump may feel like a small sac of worms.
A hydrocele is painless in infants, but it can cause a feeling of abdominal pressure in older boys and men. It also causes visible swelling of the testicles.
Epididymal cysts are also generally painless. In some men, one testicle may feel heavier than normal.
An infection may cause pain, swelling, or tenderness in one or both of your testicles. It can also cause fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Though it can occur spontaneously, testicular torsion is a condition that’s typically caused by a scrotal injury. It’s a medical emergency. It can be extremely painful and may involve the following symptoms:
- fever
- frequent urination
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- swelling of your scrotum
- unusual positioning of a testicle, which may be higher than normal or oddly angled
- A lump caused by testicular cancer can produce the following symptoms:
- a dull ache in your abdomen or groin
- swelling or tenderness in your breasts
- heaviness in your scrotum
- a sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum
Causes Of Testicular Lumps
There are multiple possible causes of testicular lumps, including injury, birth defects, infection and other factors.
Varicocele
This type of testicular lump is the most common type. It occurs in about one in every seven men, according to Weill Cornell Medical College. Enlarged veins in your testicles cause varicocele lumps. They become more noticeable after puberty, which is when blood flow increases in your fully developed testicles.
Hydrocele
A buildup of fluid in your testicles causes a hydrocele. The Mayo Clinic estimates that this type of testicular lump occurs in one to two out of every 100 newborn males. Premature babies have a higher risk of developing a hydrocele.
Epididymal Cyst
An epididymal cyst occurs when the long, coiled tube behind your testicles called the epididymis becomes filled with fluid and can’t drain. If it contains sperm, it’s known as a spermatocele. This form of testicular lump is very common. It most often resolves on its own.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion occurs when your testicles become twisted, typically due to an injury or accident. This condition most often occurs in boys between the ages of 13 and 17 years old, but it can affect men of all ages. This is a medical emergency that requires urgent investigation and possible treatment.
Epididymitis and orchitis
Your epididymis is the structure above your testicle that stores sperm. Epididymitis is an inflammation of your epididymis. A bacterial infection often causes it. This includes some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
An infection also causes orchitis, which is an inflammation of your testicle. Bacteria or the mumps virus can cause the infection.
Treatment For Testicular Lumps
Your treatment plan will vary, depending on the cause of your testicular lump.
- Varicocele
- Pain from a varicocele usually subsides without treatment. However, your doctor may prescribe pain medication or advise you to use over-the-counter pain relievers. In cases of recurring episodes of discomfort, you may need surgery to reduce the congestion in your veins. The surgery may involve tying off the affected veins or diverting blood flow to those veins through other methods. This causes blood to bypass those veins, which eliminates the swelling.
- Hydrocele
Treatment for a hydrocele lump may also involve surgery, but it most often clears up on its own by age 2. The surgery involves making a small incision in the scrotum to drain excess fluid.
- Epididymal cyst
An epididymal cyst doesn’t require treatment unless it causes pain or discomfort. You may need surgery. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove the cyst and seal your scrotum with stitches that usually dissolve within 10 days.
- Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion requires immediate surgery to untwist your testicle and restore blood flow. Your testicle can die if you don’t get treatment for the torsion within six hours, warns the American Cancer Society. If your testicle dies, your doctor will have to remove it surgically.
- Epididymitis and orchitis
Your doctor can treat infections in your epididymis or testicles with antibiotics if bacteria are the cause. In the case of an STI, your partner may also need to be treated.
- Hernia
A hernia is often treated with surgery. Your doctor may refer you to a hernia specialist for treatment.
