A small lump on a testicle can be a source of concern, prompting anxiety. This article provides clear information on potential causes, aiming to demystify the issue and guide next steps. It is important to distinguish between benign and potentially more serious conditions.
Benign Causes of Testicular Lumps
Many testicular lumps are not cancerous and result from benign conditions.
Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube behind the testicle that stores sperm. Often caused by bacterial infections, including STIs or UTIs, symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes fever.
A hydrocele involves a collection of fluid around the testicle within the tunica vaginalis. It feels like a soft, fluid-filled sac, usually painless unless large enough to cause heaviness. Hydroceles can be present from birth or develop later from injury, inflammation, or infection.
A spermatocele is a common non-cancerous cyst that forms in the epididymis. They contain fluid and often dead sperm, feeling like a smooth, firm lump located above or behind the testicle. Spermatoceles are painless and do not require treatment unless large or uncomfortable.
Varicoceles are enlarged veins within the scrotum, resembling varicose veins. Often described as feeling like a “bag of worms” above the testicle, they occur due to faulty valves preventing proper blood flow. This sometimes causes a dull ache or discomfort, especially after prolonged standing.
An inguinal hernia can also present as a scrotal lump. This occurs when intestine or other abdominal contents push through a weak abdominal wall into the scrotal sac. The lump may appear or disappear with position changes or straining. Other simple, non-specific cysts can also develop, typically harmless.
Understanding Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer, while uncommon, is among the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men aged 15 to 35. Despite its seriousness, it is highly treatable, especially when identified early. The most common presentation is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. The absence of pain can delay seeking medical attention, making awareness of non-painful changes important.
Other signs include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen, or sudden fluid collection in the scrotum. Rarely, individuals might experience breast tenderness or enlargement, linked to hormonal changes from certain tumors. Recognizing these signs is important for timely evaluation.
Risk factors include cryptorchidism (undescended testicle at birth), even if surgically corrected. A family history, especially in a father or brother, also elevates risk. Previous testicular cancer in one testicle increases the likelihood of it developing in the other.
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. Prompt medical consultation for any suspicious change allows for timely diagnosis and care. This proactive approach improves the chances of a positive prognosis.
When to Consult a Doctor
Any new lump, swelling, or change in a testicle warrants medical evaluation, even if painless. Self-diagnosis is not appropriate for testicular concerns. Only a healthcare professional can accurately determine the cause of a lump and advise on necessary steps.
Seek immediate medical attention for:
Any new or unexplained lump or swelling in the scrotum.
Persistent, unresolved pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum.
A feeling of heaviness or dull ache in the scrotum or lower abdomen.
Any noticeable change in the size, shape, or consistency of a testicle, or a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.
Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue.
Seeking timely medical advice ensures proper diagnosis and management.
Diagnostic Steps and Treatment Options
When a testicular lump is identified, a healthcare professional initiates diagnostic steps. A physical examination is usually the first step, assessing the lump’s characteristics. This helps differentiate potential causes.
A scrotal ultrasound is the primary imaging tool. This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to create detailed images. It reveals if the lump is solid or fluid-filled, its location, and characteristics distinguishing benign conditions from malignancy.
If testicular cancer is suspected, blood tests may be ordered. These tests check for specific tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which can be elevated with certain types of testicular cancer. These results provide further diagnostic information.
Treatment varies depending on the lump’s cause. Many benign, asymptomatic lumps, like small spermatoceles or hydroceles, may not require active treatment and are simply monitored. For infectious causes like epididymitis, antibiotics are prescribed to resolve infection and inflammation.
Surgery is an option for symptomatic benign conditions, such as a large or painful hydrocele (hydrocelectomy) or a varicocele causing discomfort or affecting fertility (varicocelectomy). If testicular cancer is confirmed, primary treatment involves surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy). Depending on cancer type and stage, further treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may be necessary.