If you feel a lump or bulge on your testicle, your first reaction is often one of fear, and with good reason. It is unnerving to find something that isn’t supposed to be there, particularly on a testicle. The good news is that, in most cases, they do not present any hazard. However, this is not always the case; because of this, you should take care of any changes in your testicles.
The question is, what exactly causes those lumps, bumps, or hardness down there?
All right, so let’s start by discussing the terrifying “worst case” scenario first.
Testicular cancer may be indicated by hard lumps, bumps, or alterations, in addition to an increase in the size of one testicle. In most cases, pain is not a sign or symptom of anything. Only 8,500 males are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year, making it a relatively uncommon cancer. The disease is diagnosed most often in young men between the ages of 15 and 35; however, males of any age are at risk. Your chances of developing testicular cancer increase if someone in your family has already been diagnosed with the disease or you have ever had an undescended testicle (on either side). Even when it has progressed to other parts of the body, testicular cancer is still one of the most curable forms of cancer, and many men who have been diagnosed with it go on to live everyday lives (see the case of Lance Armstrong, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread extensively many years ago). The removal of the testicle is often sufficient to cure cancer in many men, but the kind and extent of the disease in other men may need further procedures or other forms of cancer therapy. The loss of a testicle is something that no one wants to experience, but it is essential to bear in mind that you do not need both of them to generate sperm and testosterone; you can do it with just one.
You cannot determine whether or whether you have testicular cancer by yourself. If you discover a lump or anything unusual, visit a physician, preferably a urologist, as soon as possible. A detailed examination may often fail to detect anything significant; thus, you should insist that your physician does a testicular ultrasound on you. During this procedure, sound waves are reflected through the testicles, revealing anything abnormal or potentially harmful that may be present.
Testicular lumps and bumps may also be caused by other, more frequent, benign conditions. These conditions are not life-threatening. Here are several examples:
- The wall of the testicle or the tissues surrounding it may contain microscopic bubbles or cysts filled with clear fluid. Cysts may be detected in both locations. They might be a single occurrence or several occurrences, don’t typically cause any discomfort, and have the consistency of a little lump. If they grow prominent or bothersome, your urologist can remove them via a straightforward outpatient operation.
- Calcifications are hardened structures that may form in the testicle or the major sperm pipeline (vas). These calcifications can nearly be as rock-like in their consistency. These are never painful to remove, and the need to do so is quite unusual.
- Clear fluid may gather around the testicle after an accident, surgery, or, most often, for no cause at all, which can make the testicle seem to be much bigger than it is. This condition is known as a hydrocele. If they get huge, they may become uncomfortable or painful, which may be addressed with outpatient surgery to drain the fluid. If the cysts become very large, they may also rupture.
- Inflammation: Any damage or infection of the testicle or surrounding tissues may be felt as a complicated region. This can be the case whether the testicle is affected or not. These spots, which may be painful at times, might persist for months, and you should make an appointment with your physician to ensure nothing else is going on. If an old issue causes it, the affected region will often disappear with time.
- Varicocele is the medical term for expanding the vein collection inside the scrotum. This may be painful, particularly if you stand or strain for a long time. If it is sad, it may be surgically treated by tying off the small veins in the groin under a surgical microscope, which can also be done as an outpatient procedure.
- The term “hernia” refers to a condition in which a short loop of intestine protrudes into the scrotum after pushing through a hole in the groin muscles. This seems to be a pliable and even somewhat delicate mass. Getting off your feet and sitting down may frequently make you feel better. If it is painful, it may need to be corrected by a general surgeon to avoid future issues; if the intestine were to get caught, it might cause substantial discomfort and fever.
It is a good idea for men to examine their testicles in the shower once a month, as it is common practice for women to do monthly self-exams on their breasts. You must go to the doctor immediately if you discover a new lump, stiffness, or mass in your testicles. Make sure to ask for a testicular ultrasound when you do so. At this point, you cannot dismiss it as insignificant or expect it to go away on its own. This cannot be postponed; you must proceed immediately and take action. Your chances of living a regular life increase if you get checked out early. You do not need to be concerned about it if it turns out to be nothing.
