Discovering a bump on the testicles or scrotum can be concerning. While many scrotal bumps are benign and not serious, it is always important to seek professional medical evaluation for any new or changing scrotal bump. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance, as some can indicate more serious underlying conditions.
Common Benign Causes of Scrotal Bumps
Many scrotal bumps arise from common, non-cancerous conditions. Epididymal cysts (spermatoceles) are fluid-filled sacs in the epididymis, the coiled tube behind each testicle responsible for sperm storage and transport. These cysts are typically harmless and often painless, though larger ones might cause heaviness or discomfort. Sebaceous cysts are small, non-cancerous lumps that form under the skin when oil glands become blocked.
Ingrown hairs or folliculitis appear as small, inflamed bumps on the scrotum, often tender and reddened, resulting from irritated or infected hair follicles. Varicoceles are enlarged veins within the scrotum, often described as feeling like a “bag of worms.” They typically occur more often on the left side and may cause a dull ache or heaviness, which can improve when lying down.
Hydroceles are a collection of fluid around the testicle, leading to swelling that can feel like a water-filled balloon. While common in newborns, they can also develop in adults due to injury or inflammation. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, usually caused by a bacterial infection, resulting in pain, swelling, and warmth in the scrotum. This condition often presents with a slower onset of symptoms.
An inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles and can extend into the scrotum. This can appear as a soft bulge that may increase in size with straining or coughing. These common conditions are generally manageable.
Potentially Serious Causes of Scrotal Bumps
While many scrotal bumps are benign, some can signal more serious conditions. Testicular cancer is a concern, typically presenting as a firm, painless lump on the testicle. The lump can be as small as a pea or much larger and may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or a dull ache in the groin. It is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 35, and early detection improves treatment outcomes.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause bumps or sores on or around the scrotum. Genital warts (HPV) can appear as bumpy, flat, or clustered growths. Genital herpes may cause small, painful blisters that can later rupture and cause sores. Syphilis can present as a firm, painless sore (chancre) in its early stages, which might resemble a bump. These infections require medical diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and transmission.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
It is important to seek medical attention for any new or concerning scrotal bump. A healthcare professional should be consulted for any new lump or swelling on the testicle or scrotum, even if it is not painful. Prompt evaluation is also needed for a lump that is painful, tender to the touch, or rapidly increasing in size.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
Redness, warmth, or significant scrotal swelling.
Nausea, vomiting, or a fever.
A persistent dull ache or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
A lump that does not resolve or changes in size or shape.
Difficulty urinating or blood in the urine or semen.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
When consulting a healthcare professional about a scrotal bump, a thorough physical examination will typically be performed. This involves feeling the scrotum, its contents, and the surrounding groin area to assess the lump’s characteristics. A transillumination test may also be performed, shining a light through the scrotum to determine if the lump is fluid-filled or solid.
Imaging studies, particularly an ultrasound, are often used to provide detailed information about the lump’s size, location, and composition, helping to differentiate between causes like cysts, hernias, or tumors. Blood tests might be conducted to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or specific tumor markers that could indicate cancer. A urinalysis may also be performed to detect infections or other abnormalities.
Treatment approaches vary widely depending on the underlying cause of the scrotal bump. For many benign conditions, such as small, asymptomatic epididymal cysts or hydroceles, observation may be the only recommended course of action. Infections or inflammation, like epididymitis, are typically treated with medication, such as antibiotics.
Surgical intervention may be necessary for certain conditions, including larger cysts, varicoceles causing discomfort or infertility, symptomatic hydroceles, or hernias. If testicular cancer is diagnosed, surgical removal of the affected testicle is generally performed, often followed by additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, depending on the stage. In many cases, a referral to a specialist, such as a urologist, is made for further evaluation and management.