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Testicle lump - Overview

Alternative Names

Lump in the testicle

Definition of Testicle lump:

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

Considerations:

A testicle lump that does not hurt may be a sign of cancer. Most cases of testicular cancer occur in men ages 15 - 40, although it can also occur at older or younger ages.

Common Causes:

Possible causes of a painful testicle include:

A cyst-like lump in the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells (spermatocele)
Epididymitis
Infection of the scrotal sac
Injury or trauma
Mumps
Orchitis (testicular infection)
Testicular torsion
Testicular cancer
Varicocele

Possible causes if the testicle is not painful:

Hydrocele
Loop of bowel from a hernia
Spermatocele
Testicular cancer
Varicocele

Male reproductive anatomy

Reviewed last on: 9/3/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washingto School of Medicine; and Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Richie JP, Steele GS. Neoplasms of the testis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 29.

Schneck FX, Bellinger MF. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 127.

Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 545.

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