The testicles are part of the male reproductive system. They produce sperm and testosterone (the male sex hormone). The testicles sit inside the scrotum (a loose sac of skin), which hangs down behind the penis.
Testicular lumps and swellings
Many people associate testicular lumps and swellings with testicular cancer, but in 96% of cases they are benign.
There are four main types of benign testicular lumps and swellings, which are outlined below.
- Varicocele is a swelling caused by swollen veins.
- Hydrocele is a swelling caused by fluid.
- Epididymal cyst is a lump caused by a collection of skin cells and protein.
- Testicular torsion is a large, painful swelling that is caused when a testicle becomes twisted, interrupting the blood supply to the testicles.
Varicocele
Varicoceles are relatively common, affecting about 15% of the male population. It's thought that varicoceles are caused by abnormalities that affect the veins within the testicles. They usually become noticeable after puberty because, by this time, the testicles are fully grown and the blood flow to the affected veins increases.
Hydrocele
Hydroceles develop at birth, and they affect one male baby in every 10. They do not usually require treatment as they often disappear on their own during the first year of life.
Less commonly, hydroceles can develop in men who are 40 years of age or above in the form of an infection following injury or as a side effect of radiotherapy.
Epididymal cysts
Epididymal cysts can develop at any age, but they are most common in men in their 30s or 40s. As many as 30% of men in these age groups may have cysts. Epididymal cysts do not usually cause symptoms.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsions usually develop in boys who are going through puberty, but they can also occur in men who are in their 20s. It is a rare condition, affecting one in every 4,000 males in the UK each year.
