Treatment for your testicular lump will depend on the underlying cause of the lump.
Varicoceles
In most cases, varicoceles do not require any treatment. If you have a varicocele and you are in pain or discomfort, you can:
- take painkillers, such as paracetamol
- wear tight-fitting, supportive underwear
If your varicocele is still causing you pain or discomfort, surgery may be recommended.
Surgery
A surgical technique called varicocele embolisation can be used to treat varicoceles. You will usually be referred to a urologist (a doctor who specialises in treating conditions that affect the urinary system) to discuss the benefits and risks of surgery.
A varicocele embolisation is usually carried out on an outpatient basis, which means that you will not have to stay in hospital overnight. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic (painkilling medication to numb the affected area).
Your surgeon will use X-ray equipment to guide a tiny tube into the affected veins in your testicles. They will use metal coils or a special liquid to block the veins. The blood will then bypass the blocked veins, reducing the swelling and removing the varicocele.
Varicocele embolisation is a very safe procedure, although there is a small risk of infection. If infection occurs, it can be treated with antibiotics (medication to treat bacterial infections). Other possible risks include:
- the varicocele returning
- numbness or pain in the scrotum (loose sac of skin that contains the testicles)
Some varicoceles require a different treatment in the form of surgery to directly divide the dilated (widened) veins. This is usually performed under general anaesthetic so you will be unconscious. Your surgeon will make an incision in your groin, then find and remove the dilated veins.
More than 9 out of 10 varicoceles are successfully removed through surgery.
Hydroceles
Hydroceles in newborn babies usually disappear on their own within the first year or two of life. Treatment for hydroceles is usually only needed if they persist for longer than this or if they cause troublesome symptoms. Hydroceles in older boys and men may be treated if they are causing pain or discomfort.
Surgery
If you need treatment for hydroceles, a surgical procedure known as a hydrocelectomy may be recommended.
A hydrocelectomy is carried out under general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision in the scrotum to drain away the fluid before sealing the passageway between the abdomen (tummy) and the scrotum. The incision is closed using dissolvable stitches. Most people will be able to return home soon after having the operation.
As with a varicocele embolisation, there is a small risk of infection after a hydrocelectomy. Children may be given antibiotics before or during the operation to prevent infection.
Epididymal cysts
Epididymal cysts do not usually require any treatment. However, if they are causing troublesome symptoms, you may be referred to a urologist.
Your urologist may recommend further treatment, or may suggest surgically removing the entire cyst under local anaesthetic. This may leave some scarring.
Testicular torsion
If you have testicular torsion, you will need to have surgery as soon as possible to release the trapped testicle. Permanent injury to the testicle can occur within four hours of having testicular torsion, which may affect your fertility or result in the loss of your testicle.
Surgery for testicular torsion is carried out under general anaesthetic. The surgeon will make a cut in your scrotum before untwisting the spermatic cord (the cord that the testicles hang from inside the scrotum). The testicle (or testicles) will then be stitched to the inside of the scrotum to prevent the spermatic cord twisting again.
The longer you wait before having surgery, the higher the risk that your surgeon will not be able to save the trapped testicle. Figures show that when people have surgery within six hours of testicular torsion occurring, 9 out of 10 trapped testicles will be saved. However, if the surgery is delayed for 24 hours, only 1 out of 10 trapped testicles will be saved.
Following surgery for testicular torsion, you may need to avoid strenuous activity for about a week. Your surgeon will be able to advise you about this.
Other types of lumps
Other types of lumps are treated differently depending on their cause. For example, if your lump is caused by an underlying infection, the infection may be treated with antibiotics. See the Health A-Z topics about Sexually transmitted infections and Urinary tract infections if one of these has caused your lump.
If you have been diagnosed with testicular cancer, it may be treated with surgery and radiotherapy. See the Health A-Z topic about Testicular cancer - treatment for more information.
If you have been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, you will usually need to have an operation. See the Health A-Z topic about Inguinal hernia repair for more information.
