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.

It’s important to know what’s 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 what’s 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.