Testicle lump

• Alternative Names

  Lump in the testicle

• 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.

• Common 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
• Call your health care provider if

  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

  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.

• References

  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.

Review Date: 9/7/2008

Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washingto School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.