Testicular lumps and swellings
অণ্ডকোষে চাকা ও ফোলা
Lumps and swellings in the testicles (balls) are quite common, and can happen to boys, men and anyone with testicles. It helps to know what feels normal for you, so you're able to spot any changes.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you have:
- sudden, severe pain in a testicle
- testicle pain along with feeling sick, being sick or pain in your tummy
- testicle pain that has lasted more than an hour or continues when you're resting
These can be signs of a serious problem that needs treatment in hospital as soon as possible.
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
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if you have:
- sudden, severe pain in a testicle
- testicle pain along with feeling sick, being sick or pain in your tummy
- testicle pain that has lasted more than an hour or continues when you're resting
These can be signs of a serious problem that needs treatment in hospital as soon as possible.
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
Causes
What causes testicular lumps and swellings?
Lumps and swellings in the testicles can happen for many different reasons.
The good news is that most testicular lumps and swellings are caused by conditions that are not cancerous (benign), and many of these do not even need treatment.
If you notice a lump or swelling in your testicle, it could be due to:
- varicoceles: soft lumps that build up slowly above the testicle, usually on the left side of the scrotum
- hydroceles: swelling in the scrotum caused by a build-up of fluid
- epididymal cysts: a small, smooth, fluid-filled swelling that develops slowly in the epididymis (the coiled tube behind the testicle that stores and carries sperm)
- epididymo-orchitis: inflammation of the epididymis and testicle, caused by bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or mumps
- inguinal hernias: when fatty tissue or part of the bowel pushes through into the groin, at the top of the inner thigh
- testicular torsion: a benign but serious condition where the spermatic cord (which supplies blood to the testicle) becomes severely twisted
- testicular cancer: a more serious condition
Diagnosis
There is no single test that can confirm what a testicular lump or swelling is. Instead, your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms and carry out a physical examination.
As part of this, your doctor may:
- look at and gently feel your testicles
- shine a torch through the scrotum, the bag of skin holding your testicles, to check whether fluid has built up
- refer you for an ultrasound scan
- ask for a urine sample, if an infection is suspected as the cause of the lump or swelling
If the lump or swelling is painful or quite large, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for a procedure to drain it, shrink it, or remove it.
Treatment
Treatment depends on what's causing the lump or swelling.
To ease discomfort or pain, a painkiller such as paracetamol can help.
Some testicular lumps and swellings need surgery, done under local or general anaesthetic depending on the procedure. If a bacterial infection is behind it, antibiotics will be prescribed.
If testicular cancer is diagnosed, a team of clinicians will look after the patient and work out the best treatment plan. In most cases, surgery to remove the affected testicle is recommended, and this is sometimes followed by a course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.