Always visit your GP if you find a lump or swelling on one or both of your testicles.
In most cases, a lump or swelling is not cancerous, but you should always have it checked by a healthcare professional.
Varicoceles
In most cases, varicoceles do not cause any symptoms. However, up to 1 in 10 men may experience a heavy feeling or aching pain in either their:
- scrotum (the loose sac of skin that contains the testicles)
- groin
Varicoceles usually develop on the left side. This is due to the way that the veins in the testicles are arranged.
Varicoceles develop as a soft lump in the scrotum and can feel like a 'bag of worms'. The size of varicoceles can vary. Some may only be noticeable when you touch them. Others can be larger and seen easily. The side of the scrotum that contains the varicoceles may hang slightly lower than the other side.
Varicoceles may be linked to infertility. However, about two out of three men with varicoceles can have children. There is no evidence that surgically removing varicoceles improves fertility.
Hydroceles
Hydroceles usually affect newborn babies. In almost all cases the only symptom is a painless swelling of one or both testicles. Hydroceles can sometimes affect older boys or men, who may feel pressure in their abdomen (tummy).
Epididymal cysts
An epididymal cyst is a small, smooth fluid-filled swelling that develops behind and above the affected testicle.
Epididymal cysts are usually painless but your testicle may ache or feel heavy. You may experience some pain and discomfort if the cyst puts pressure on structures in or around your testicle.
You should visit your GP for a check-up if you have any symptoms that affect your testicles.
Testicular torsion
Unlike the other types of benign (non-cancerous) testicular lumps, testicular torsion is a medical emergency.
Dial 999 for an ambulance if you suspect that you or someone you know has testicular torsion.
In cases of testicular torsion, surgery needs to be carried out as soon as possible to avoid the loss of the testicle.
The symptoms of testicular torsion usually begin with a severe pain in one of your testicles. Other possible symptoms include:
- swelling of the scrotum
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting
- abdominal (tummy) pain
- a high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or more
- a frequent need to urinate
Some people with testicular torsion may have had episodes of testicular pain and swelling in the past.
