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What Causes A Lump On The Testicle?
Question: I have a hard lump on top of my left testicle about the size of a pea (it may not be 100% round, but very slightly oblong). It seems to be attached to the testicle itself (it is not freely movable) and inside or right under the epididymal head. It does not hurt on its own, but it is somewhat sensitive/tender to touch (when I touch it I kind of feel a bit of tenderness extend into my left lower abdomen -- left area below waist line). Is this as cause for concern, i.e. cancer or an infection? I have read about something similar called a spermatocele, but those seem to be free moving and rarely tender.
Brief Answer:
Suggest to get a scrotal Ultrasound.
Detailed Answer:
Good day and thank you for being with healthcare magic!
Testicular masses are broadly classified into intra-testicular and extra-testicular. Intra testicular masses are found inside or within the testis and is almost always malignant in contrast to extra testicular masses which are found outside or around the testis and is Almost always benign.
The best way to differentiate the two conditions is by doing a scrotal ultrasound. This has a very high yield to detect any abnormalities in the testis. Infection and inflammation can also be seen with an ultrasound.
By how to you describe it, it seems to be at the epididymis and spermatocele are very common also other benign cysts. Tenderness is when there is Inflammation and a simple touch would generate plenty of pain. But testicular contents are always sensitive to touch and pressure and a little pressure when you palpated would cause some form of discomfort which is absolutely normal.
My suggestion: get the Ultrasound to be really sure nothing is wrong. I hope I have answered your question satisfactorily and please consider a 5 Star rating for my answer. Thank you very much.
Suggest to get a scrotal Ultrasound.
Detailed Answer:
Good day and thank you for being with healthcare magic!
Testicular masses are broadly classified into intra-testicular and extra-testicular. Intra testicular masses are found inside or within the testis and is almost always malignant in contrast to extra testicular masses which are found outside or around the testis and is Almost always benign.
The best way to differentiate the two conditions is by doing a scrotal ultrasound. This has a very high yield to detect any abnormalities in the testis. Infection and inflammation can also be seen with an ultrasound.
By how to you describe it, it seems to be at the epididymis and spermatocele are very common also other benign cysts. Tenderness is when there is Inflammation and a simple touch would generate plenty of pain. But testicular contents are always sensitive to touch and pressure and a little pressure when you palpated would cause some form of discomfort which is absolutely normal.
My suggestion: get the Ultrasound to be really sure nothing is wrong. I hope I have answered your question satisfactorily and please consider a 5 Star rating for my answer. Thank you very much.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Thanks, I do understand all of that from researching the internet. I guess 2 questions:
- Can a spermatocele be where I describe it, but also be non-free moving (i.e. can it be attached to the top of the testicle more or less)?
- after some additional anatomy diagram research, I would estimate that this lump is at or very close to the appendix testis (or its epipidymeal testis brother). Could those become swollen or have a cyst and behave in the way that I describe?
- Can a spermatocele be where I describe it, but also be non-free moving (i.e. can it be attached to the top of the testicle more or less)?
- after some additional anatomy diagram research, I would estimate that this lump is at or very close to the appendix testis (or its epipidymeal testis brother). Could those become swollen or have a cyst and behave in the way that I describe?
Brief Answer:
To answer your question yes and yes.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow-up question. Yes epidiymal cyst and spermatocele would feel they are attached to the periphery of the testis. Yes I believe what you have is a benign cyst either an epididymal cyst or a spermatocele.
Yes sometimes they do get infected and inflammed but it they do, they would be really swollen and tender.
To answer your question yes and yes.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your follow-up question. Yes epidiymal cyst and spermatocele would feel they are attached to the periphery of the testis. Yes I believe what you have is a benign cyst either an epididymal cyst or a spermatocele.
Yes sometimes they do get infected and inflammed but it they do, they would be really swollen and tender.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
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