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Testicle lump

• Overview

Definition:

A testicle lump is a swelling or mass in one or both testicles.

See also:

• Testicular pain
• Testicular cancer
• Testicular self exam

Alternative Names:

Lump in the testicle

Considerations:

A testicular lump that doesn't hurt may be a sign of cancer. Most cases of testicular cancer occur when men are between ages 15 and 40, although it can happen at older or younger ages.

Common Causes:

Here are some possible causes of a painful testicle:

• Injury or trauma
• Epididymitis
• Infection of the scrotal sac
• Mumps
• Orchitis (testicular infection)
• Testicular torsion
• Testicular cancer
• Spermatocele (a cyst-like mass within the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells)
• Varicocele (a varicose vein along the spermatic cord)

Here are some possible causes if the testicle is not painful:

• Testicular cancer
• Hydrocele (fluid collection in the scrotum)
• Varicocele
• Spermatocele
• Loop of bowel from a hernia

• Review Date: 8/15/2006
• Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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