Testicle lump

Considerations:
Very few men know how to look for lumps in their testes or bother to do so. Men should be taught by their health care provider how to examine their testes just as most women examine their breasts.

A testicular lump that doesn't hurt may be a sign of cancer , especially in young men aged 20 to 35 years.

Common Causes:

Possible causes if testicle is painful:

Possible causes if testicle is not painful:

Note: There may be other causes of a testicle lump. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for a testicle lump, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Follow your health care provider's recommendations.

Learn how to perform testicular self-examination and perform this procedure regularly (once a month is recommended).

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • there are any unexplained testicular lumps!



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting the testicular lump in detail may include:

  • time pattern
    • When was the lump noticed?
    • Are there any previous lumps?

  • quality
    • How large is the lump?
    • Is there any pain?
    • Is the lump smooth?
    • Does the lump change in size?

  • location
    • Is only one testicle involved?
    • Exactly where on the testicle is the lump?

  • aggravating factors
    • Have there been any recent injuries or infections?

  • other

Physical examination may include inspection and palpation of the testicles and scrotum . Diagnostic tests depend on the results of the physical examination.

Intervention:

  • For a lump in the testicle caused by infection and epididymitis , antibiotic treatment may be prescribed.
  • For a lump in the testicle caused by mumps , consult your health care provider for medical management while the disease runs its course.
  • For a lump in the testicle caused by testicular torsion , see your health care provider immediately! This emergency condition is very painful and requires prompt surgical correction.
  • For a lump in the testicle caused by cancer , surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are treatment options.
  • For a lump in the testicle caused by a herniated loop of bowel, surgery may be recommended.
  • For a lump in the testicle caused by hydrocele and varicocele , consult your health care provider about medical management and surgical options.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to a testicle lump to your personal medical record.


This is an internal view of the male reproductive system.