You should see a health provider if: You notice a lump on one testicle that isn't on the other. One testicle is much larger than the other. One testicle is much harder or softer than the other.
A difference in size is usually nothing to worry about, though it can occasionally indicate a problem. If a testicle is painful or changes shape, a person should see their doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of testicle lumps and swellings
Lumps and swellings in the testicles can have lots of different causes. Most are caused by something less serious, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins in the testicles (varicocele). But sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as testicular cancer.
Each testicle feels like a smooth, firm egg. Adult testicles range in size from about 15 mL (similar to a bird egg) to 35 mL (similar to a small chicken egg). One testicle may be slightly larger than the other. Commonly, one testicle hangs lower than the other.
Warm climate may make it hang loose, while colder climate will bring it closer to the body. One of the testis (usually the left one) may hang down lower than other even in absence of any disease. Enlargement of the contents of the testis or cord may make it bulky and may make it apparently hanging lower.
Change in the way a testicle feels or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. For example, 1 testicle may become firmer than the other testicle. Or testicular cancer may cause the testicle to grow bigger or to become smaller.
Most men's testicles are about the same size, but it's common for one to be slightly bigger than the other. It's also common for one testicle to hang lower than the other. The testicles should feel smooth, without any lumps or bumps, and firm but not hard.
Testicular pain causes include sudden injury, inflammation, sexually transmitted infections or medical emergencies. It can cause a dull ache that affects one or both testicles or your scrotum. It can also cause swelling.
A testicular lump may feel hard or soft to the touch and vary in size. It also may feel painful, tender or swollen, but some lumps may be completely painless.
A healthy testicle has a firm and smooth surface, but doesn't feel hard. You might have one testicle slightly bigger than the other. This is normal. It's also normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower than your other one.
Most lumps are soft and fluid-filled and may make your scrotum look a little swollen; these are usually harmless and often go away without treatment. Some lumps are solid and may feel attached to one of your testicles. Harder lumps can be a sign of something more serious.
A rare type of testicular trauma, called testicular rupture, occurs when a testicle receives a direct blow or is squeezed against the hard bones of the pelvis. This injury can cause blood to leak into the scrotum and possibly even infertility and other complications.
Most are caused by something harmless, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins. Sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as testicular cancer. Don't try to self-diagnose the cause of your lump – always see a GP.
Having one testicle that is always slightly larger than the other is often normal. However, swelling, pain, lumps, or sudden changes in the size or position of a testicle are not. Doing monthly self-exams is a good way to watch for changes that could be a sign of a serious medical problem, including testicular cancer.
The main symptom of testicular torsion is sudden, severe pain in one of your testicles. It can occur at any time — when you're awake, sleeping, standing, sitting or active. Other testicular torsion symptoms include: Painful swelling on one side of your scrotum.
Testicular cancer
Most tumors do not cause any pain. The lump will usually form on the front or side of a testicle. It will often feel hard, and the entire testicle may feel firmer than usual. A lump can develop inside the testicle, or just under the skin.
The lump may be your epididymis. The epididymis is the structure that sits like a hat on the top and back of the testicle. It is the first place sperm travel to when they leave the testicle. If you have any concerns regarding the lump you should have a physical exam performed by a physician.
Research has indicated that less than 4 per cent of scrotal lumps or swellings are cancerous. If you do have testicular cancer, the sooner treatment begins, the greater the likelihood that you'll be cured.
Sudden, severe testicle pain can be a sign of testicular torsion — a twisted testicle that can quickly lose its blood supply. This condition requires immediate medical treatment to prevent loss of the testicle. Testicular torsion can occur in males of any age, although it is more common in adolescents.
Pain in one testicle can be in either the right or left testicle. Sharp pain in the testicle can be caused by testicular torsion, an injury to the groin, a bacterial infection, or prostatitis. Sudden, severe pain in a testicle is very serious and must be treated immediately.
Signs and symptoms of testicular torsion include: sudden, severe pain in the scrotum. swelling of the scrotum, redness, tenderness or hardening of the scrotum. nausea and vomiting.
If the testicle has torn, it can be repaired if it has good blood supply and the other testicle has enough of its cover. Your urologist will most often fix the tear with stitches and close the scrotum skin.
Common causes of testicle pain include: Injury. Infection or swelling of the sperm ducts (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis). Twisting of the testicles that can cut off the blood supply (testicular torsion).