Discovering a lump on a testicle can be a source of concern. While many testicular bumps are not serious, understanding their potential causes and knowing when to seek medical advice is always important. Familiarity with one’s own body and recognizing changes is important for maintaining health.
Potential Reasons for Testicular Bumps
Testicular lumps can arise from various conditions, some common and harmless, while others require prompt medical attention. A common cause is an epididymal cyst, also known as a spermatocele. These are benign, fluid-filled sacs that develop in the epididymis, a coiled tube behind the testicle. They usually feel like a smooth, mobile lump and are often painless, though they can cause discomfort if they grow large.
Another frequent cause is a varicocele, which involves swollen veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins. These often occur on the left side and may feel like a “bag of worms,” causing a dull ache or heaviness that worsens with standing or physical activity. Hydroceles involve a buildup of fluid around the testicle, leading to scrotal swelling. They are generally painless unless they become very large.
Inflammation, such as epididymitis, can also cause a testicular lump. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, often due to bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms include a swollen, tender, and warm scrotum, pain that may come on slowly, and sometimes fever. Orchitis, inflammation of the testicle itself, can also lead to pain and swelling.
Less common but more serious causes include an inguinal hernia, where abdominal tissue bulges into the groin or scrotum. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency where the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood supply. It causes sudden, severe pain, swelling, nausea, and vomiting, often requiring immediate surgery to save the testicle. Testicular cancer, while rare, can also present as a lump, often painless, firm, or hard, and may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or a change in testicle size or texture.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
Any new lump or change in the testicles warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional. While many causes are benign, early diagnosis of serious conditions is important for effective treatment. Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you discover any lump or experience scrotal swelling.
Seek immediate medical attention for sudden, severe testicle pain, especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Other concerning signs include a lump that is firm, hard, fixed, or changes in size or shape. A feeling of heaviness, persistent aching or discomfort, or any lump with fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss also warrant prompt medical advice.
What to Expect During a Medical Visit
When visiting a healthcare provider for a testicular lump, the process begins with a thorough medical history. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including when the lump appeared, its characteristics, and any associated pain. This helps the provider understand your concern.
A physical examination will follow, where the doctor will carefully look at and feel your scrotum and testicles. They may use transillumination, shining a light through the scrotum to determine if the mass is solid or fluid-filled. Imaging tests, such as a scrotal ultrasound, are commonly performed; an ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed images, identifying the mass’s size, location, and nature. Blood tests may also be conducted if infection is suspected or to check for markers indicating testicular cancer. This evaluation aims to accurately diagnose the lump’s cause and discuss treatment options.
Understanding Testicular Self-Examination
Understanding how to perform a testicular self-examination (TSE) is important for monitoring your health. Regular self-exams help you become familiar with the normal feel and appearance of your testicles, making it easier to notice any changes. This familiarity helps detect potential issues early.
The best time to perform a TSE is during or after a warm bath or shower, as warmth relaxes the scrotal skin. Stand in front of a mirror and visually inspect the scrotum for swelling. Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers, feeling for hard lumps, smooth rounded bumps, or changes in size, shape, or texture. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger or hang lower, and to feel a soft, cord-like structure (the epididymis) at the back. Performing this monthly allows for consistent monitoring and early identification of new findings.