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Testicle lump

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy
Male reproductive anatomy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Lump in the testicle

Definition    Return to top

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

See also:

Considerations    Return to top

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.

Causes    Return to top

Possible causes of a painful testicle include:

Possible causes if the testicle is not painful:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

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 Office Visit    Return to top

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:

Diagnostic tests depend on the results of the physical examination.

Treatments may include:

Prevention    Return to top

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

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.

References    Return to top

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.

Update Date: 9/7/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washingto School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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