Testicular Lump
- A testicle lump, or testicular lump, is an abnormal mass that can form in the testicles.
- The testicles, or testes, are egg-shaped male reproductive organs that hang below the penis in a sac called the scrotum. Their primary function is to produce sperm and a hormone called testosterone.
- A testicular lump is a fairly common condition that can have many different causes.They may be located in one or both of the testicles.
- Testicular lumps can be a sign of problems with your testicles. They may be caused by an injury, but they can also indicate a serious underlying medical problem.
- Not all lumps indicate the presence of testicular cancer. Most lumps are caused by benign, or noncancerous, conditions. These usually require no treatment.
Symptoms of a testicular lump:-
- Nearly all testicular lumps cause noticeable swelling and changes in the texture of your testicle.
- An infection may cause pain, swelling, or tenderness in one or both of your testicles. It can also cause fever, nausea, and vomiting.
- unusual positioning of a testicle, which may be higher than normal or oddly angled.
Causes:-
Other symptoms vary, depending on the underlying cause of your testicular lump:-
- Varicocele:-This type of testicular lump is the most common. It occurs in about 15 to 20 percent of men. Enlarged veins in the testicles cause varicoceles. They become more noticeable after puberty, which is when blood flow increases in fully developed testicles.
- Hydrocele:-A buildup of fluid in the testicles causes a hydrocele. This type of testicular lump occurs in at least 5 percent of newborn males. Premature babies have a higher risk of developing a hydrocele.
- Epididymal Cyst:-An epididymal cyst occurs when the long, coiled tube behind the testicles called the epididymis becomes filled with fluid and can’t drain.
- Epididymitis:-Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. A bacterial infection often causes it. This includes some (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
- Orchitis:-An infection also causes orchitis, which is an inflammation of the testicle. Bacteria or the mumps virus can cause the infection.
- Testicular torsion:-Testicular torsion occurs when the testicles become twisted, typically due to an injury or accident.This is a medical emergency that requires urgent investigation and possible treatment.
- Testicular Cancer:-Some lumps indicate the growth of testicular cancer. Only a doctor can determine if a lump is cancerous or not. It is very uncommon.
Investigations:-
- Most testicular lumps can be diagnosed during a physical examination. However, your doctor may order other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- Ultrasound.
- Blood test, which involves testing a sample of your blood for the presence of tumor cells, infections, or other signs of problems.
- STI screening, in which a sample of fluid is collected from your penis with a swab or from urine to be analyzed in a laboratory for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample from your testicle with specialized equipment and sending the sample to a laboratory for testing
Treatment:-
Treatment plan will vary according to the cause of testicular lump.
- Varicocele:-
Pain from a varicocele usually subsides without treatment. However, your doctor may prescribe pain medication or advise you to use over-the-counter pain relievers.
In cases of recurring episodes of discomfort, you may need surgery to reduce the congestion in your veins.
- Hydrocele:-
Treatment for a hydrocele lump may also involve surgery.The surgery involves making a small incision in the scrotum to drain excess fluid.
- Epididymal cyst:-
An epididymal cyst doesn’t require treatment unless it causes pain or discomfort. You may need surgery.
- Testicular torsion:- Testicular torsion requires immediate surgery to untwist your testicle and restore blood flow. Your testicle can die if you don’t get treatment for the torsion within 6 hours.
- Epididymitis and orchitis:- Your doctor can treat infections in your epididymis or testicles with antibiotics if bacteria are the cause. In the case of an STI, your partner may also need to be treated.
- Hernia:-A hernia is often treated with surgery. Your doctor may refer you to a hernia specialist for treatment.
- Testicular cancer:-Testicular cancer is treated using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other methods.
