Swelling of the scrotum

Content provided by Healthwise

Swelling of the scrotum

Swelling of the scrotum is unusual without an injury. Mild swelling may occur with a minor injury. The injury may be so minor that you did not realize you were injured. This type of swelling usually goes away without treatment.

When swelling occurs with other symptoms or continues for longer than a day, it is important to determine the cause of the swelling. There are many causes of swelling of the scrotum, including:

• Cysts. The scrotum has many large oil (sebaceous) glands. These may form cysts the size of marbles that feel like painless lumps. They may drain white, greasy material. Sebaceous cysts can become infected and painful.
• Contact dermatitis of the scrotum, which may cause redness, swelling, and itching of the entire scrotum. Men who work with soaps, solvents, or detergents might splash these liquids onto their clothes at waist level. Exposure to natural irritants, such as poison ivy, while hiking or camping can also cause a contact dermatitis.
• An inguinal hernia. If not treated, an inguinal hernia can cause swelling and an increase in the size of the scrotum.
• A hydrocele, which is a buildup of fluid in the sac that surrounds the testicle.
• A yeast infection (cutaneous candidiasis), which can cause swelling in the scrotum and an itchy rash.
• Infection of the epididymis (epididymitis) or a cyst of the epididymis.
• A medical condition that affects the entire body and causes fluid retention.
  • Heart failure causes swelling in areas of the body far from the heart, such as the ankles, hands, and the scrotum.
  • Swelling of the scrotum and lower back can develop if a man is confined to bed rest for a long time.
  • Kidney or liver disease may cause generalized swelling of the entire body, including the scrotum.
• Testicular cancer, which is most common in men 15 to 35 years old.
• Cancer of the scrotum. This condition is rare and is seen more commonly in men who work with oil and tar. The tumor can feel like a hard lump, and the skin of the scrotum can break down, causing a sore to form.

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