Testicular lumps and swellings

Testicular lumps and swellings | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Sexual and reproductive Testicular lumps and swellings Testicular lumps and swellings Lumps and swellings in the testicles (balls) are relatively common in boys, men and anyone with testicles. Its important to know whats normal for you so you can notice any changes in your testicles. When to get medical advice Speak to your GP practice if you have: a lump in your testicles swollen testicles a change in the shape of your testicles a change in the way your testicles feel 1 testicle that has become bigger than the other aching or discomfort in your testicles that does not go away Diagnosing testicular lumps and swellings There is not a singular test for testicular lumps and swellings. The doctor will discuss your situation and carry out a physical examination. Your doctor may: look at and feel your testicles shine a torch through the bag of skin containing your testicles (scrotum) to check for a build-up of fluid refer you for an ultrasound scan take a urine (pee) sample if they suspect your lump or swelling may be caused by an infection If the lump or swelling is painful or very big, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for an operation to drain, shrink or remove it. What causes testicular lumps and swellings? Lumps and swellings in the testicles can have lots of different causes. The vast majority of testicular lumps and swellings are caused by non-cancerous (benign) conditions. Most of these may not need treatment. If you experience testicular lumps and swellings, they may be caused by: varicoceles  soft lumps that develop gradually above the testicle and on the left side of the scrotum hydroceles  swellings in the scrotum caused by a build-up of fluid epididymal cysts  a small, smooth fluid-filled swelling that slowly develops in the epididymis (a coil-like structure behind the testicles that helps to store and transport sperm) epididymo-orchitis  inflammation in the epididymis and the testicle caused by bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) , sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and mumps inguinal hernias  when fatty tissue or part of the bowel pokes through into the groin at the top of the inner thigh testicular torsion a benign but serious condition caused by the spermatic cord (the cord that supplies blood to the testicles) becoming severely twisted testicular cancer  a more serious health condition Treatment for testicular lumps and swellings Treatment for testicular lumps and swellings will vary depending on whats causing it. Painkillers such as paracetamol can be taken to ease discomfort or pain. In some cases, surgery may be used to treat some testicular lumps and swellings. The surgery is carried out under either local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic depending on the procedure. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cause is a bacterial infection. If you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer , you will be cared for by a team of clinicians who will help decide the best treatment for you. Surgery to remove the affected testicle will be recommended in most cases and this may sometimes be followed by a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy . Source: Scottish Government - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 26 February 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Other health sites Cancer Research UK: Testicular cancer British Association of Urological Surgeons: Testicular lumps NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852