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Suggest Treatment For Lump In The Right Testicles
Question: I found a lump in my scrotum right next to my right testicle. Is it cancer?
Brief Answer:
Causes of scrotal masses:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
There is the possibility that it is cancer, but the good news is that cancer is the least common cause of scrotal masses.
Other possibilities include hydrocele, spermatocele, epididymitis, and varicocele. That is if the mass is deep in the scrotum, which I am assuming your's is based on your short description. There can be benign lumps more superficially in the skin and soft tissue also.
Regarding the deeper masses:
Hydrocele, which is not cancerous, is a mass caused by a buildup of fluid around the testicle. This swelling can occur after testicular injury or hernia surgery.
Spermatocele, which is not cancerous is a cyst that contains fluid and dead sperm cells, usually above or behind the testicle in the epididymis (the tube attached to the testicle that carries sperm). This is more common in men who have had a vasectomy or testicular injury.
Epididymitis (also not cancer): This is inflammation of the epididymis. This inflammation can form a tender lump or mass behind the testicle.
Varicocele (not cancer): An enlargement of the veins behind the testicle (i.e. a varicose vein). These are usually on the left side. These distended veinsare only present when standing, and disappear when lying down. They can cause a “heavy” sensation in the left testicle when standing.
Testicular Cancer: This usually forms a hard lump in the testicle itself. It is the least common cause of scrotal masses.
The thing to do is to go to the doctor who will do an exam and should also order an ultrasound of the scrotum. An ultrasound can give quick information about what might be going on, and is non-invasive. Depending on the findings in the ultrasound, you may need a consult with a urologist or further tests.
So if possible, try not to worry, as testicular cancer is actually fairly rare and is not the most common cause of testicular lump. But do go in to see your doctor as soon as possible, have an exam and an ultrasound.
Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Causes of scrotal masses:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
There is the possibility that it is cancer, but the good news is that cancer is the least common cause of scrotal masses.
Other possibilities include hydrocele, spermatocele, epididymitis, and varicocele. That is if the mass is deep in the scrotum, which I am assuming your's is based on your short description. There can be benign lumps more superficially in the skin and soft tissue also.
Regarding the deeper masses:
Hydrocele, which is not cancerous, is a mass caused by a buildup of fluid around the testicle. This swelling can occur after testicular injury or hernia surgery.
Spermatocele, which is not cancerous is a cyst that contains fluid and dead sperm cells, usually above or behind the testicle in the epididymis (the tube attached to the testicle that carries sperm). This is more common in men who have had a vasectomy or testicular injury.
Epididymitis (also not cancer): This is inflammation of the epididymis. This inflammation can form a tender lump or mass behind the testicle.
Varicocele (not cancer): An enlargement of the veins behind the testicle (i.e. a varicose vein). These are usually on the left side. These distended veinsare only present when standing, and disappear when lying down. They can cause a “heavy” sensation in the left testicle when standing.
Testicular Cancer: This usually forms a hard lump in the testicle itself. It is the least common cause of scrotal masses.
The thing to do is to go to the doctor who will do an exam and should also order an ultrasound of the scrotum. An ultrasound can give quick information about what might be going on, and is non-invasive. Depending on the findings in the ultrasound, you may need a consult with a urologist or further tests.
So if possible, try not to worry, as testicular cancer is actually fairly rare and is not the most common cause of testicular lump. But do go in to see your doctor as soon as possible, have an exam and an ultrasound.
Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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