A growth in the scrotum or testicles

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A growth in the scrotum or testicles

Growths in the scrotum or testicles may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).

• The scrotum has many large oil (sebaceous) glands on the skin. These may form cysts the size of marbles that feel like painless lumps. They may drain white, greasy material (sebum). Sebaceous cysts can become infected and painful.
• Growths in the epididymis may be caused by kinks in the epididymis itself or may occur following a vasectomy. Painless lumps ranging from the size of BBs to marbles may form. These usually are not serious. When the epididymis becomes inflamed or infected (epididymitis), it feels like a swollen tubular mass behind the testicle. Epididymitis usually causes pain and tenderness.
• A distended, enlarged vein (varicose vein) in the scrotum is called a varicocele. It may be uncomfortable. A varicocele can cause a low sperm count. If infertility is a concern, the varicocele may need to be surgically removed. Otherwise, a varicocele is usually left alone.
• A buildup of fluid in the sac that surrounds the testicle is called a hydrocele.
• Testicular cancer is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35. A tumor is often felt as a painless, hard lump inside or on the testicle. It may become painful if it spreads into the epididymis.

Any new growth in the scrotum or testicles should be evaluated by your health professional.

Credits

Last updated:	March 29, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Philip Belitsky, MD, FRCSC - Urology
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer