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?

Diagnostic tests depend on the results of the physical examination.

Treatments may include:

• For a lump caused by orchitis or epididymitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
• For a lump caused by mumps, your doctor may give you medication while the disease runs its course.
• For a lump caused by testicular torsion, see your health care provider immediately. This emergency condition is very painful and requires surgical correction right away.
• For a lump caused by cancer, surgery (orchiectomy), radiation, and chemotherapy are treatment options.
• For a lump caused by a herniated loop of bowel, surgery may be recommended.
• For a lump caused by spermatocele, hydrocele, or varicocele, ask your health care provider about medication and surgery options.

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 previous tumor of the testicle
• An undescended testicle

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.