Definition of Testicle lump:

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

See also:

• Testicular cancer
• Testicular pain
• Testicular self-exam

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

Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider right away if you notice any unexplained lumps or any other changes in your testicles.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, which may include inspecting and feeling (palpating) the testicles and scrotum. The health care provider may ask questions about the lump, such as:

• When did you notice the lump?
• Have you had any previous lumps?
• Do you have any pain?
• Does the lump change in size?
• Is only one testicle involved?
• Exactly where on the testicle is the lump?
• Have you had any recent injuries or infections?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• Is there scrotal swelling?
• Do you have abdominal pain?
• Do you have any lumps or swelling anywhere else?
• Have you ever had surgery on your testicles or in the area?
• Were you born with both testicles in the scrotum?

Tests and treatments depend on the results of the physical examination.

Prevention:

Starting in puberty, men at risk for testicular cancer should examine their testicles on a regular basis. This includes men with:

• A family history of testicular cancer
• A past tumor of the testicle
• An undescended testicle, even if the testicle on the other side has descended

These men should perform a testicular self-exam each month, so that a testicular lump can be found early. A lump on the testicle may be the first sign of testicular cancer.