A hard lump on your testicle can be concerning, but don’t panic—it’s actually not as rare as you might think. Your testicles, which are egg-shaped organs responsible for producing sperm and the male hormone testosterone, hang inside a sac called the scrotum. These lumps can form for various reasons, some of which are harmless. Let’s explore what could be behind this.
Possible Causes of a Testicular Lump
A hard lump on your testicle can happen at any age, but it’s common among teenage boys and adult men. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes:
Varicocele
Ever heard of varicocele? It’s one of the most frequent types of testicular lumps. In fact, one out of every seven men develops it. A varicocele happens when the veins in your testicles enlarge. During puberty, as blood flow increases to this area, the lumps may become more noticeable. The good news is, most of the time, you won’t need any treatment. The pain tends to go away on its own. However, if you find the discomfort recurring, your doctor might suggest surgery to improve the blood flow and reduce the swelling. Sometimes, tying off the affected veins can do the trick.
Hydrocele
If fluid builds up in your testicles, you could develop a hydrocele, which is actually quite common in newborns, particularly premature babies. Fortunately, most children with hydrocele don’t need surgery, as the fluid often drains on its own by the age of 2. But if you’re an adult and develop a hydrocele, your doctor may suggest a simple surgical procedure to remove the excess fluid.
Epididymal Cysts
Behind your testicles lies a tube called the epididymis. When fluid gets trapped in this tube and doesn’t drain properly, you may develop a cyst, sometimes called a spermatocele if it contains sperm. These lumps don’t always require treatment, especially if they don’t cause pain. However, if the cyst becomes painful, a minor surgery to remove it may be necessary. The good news is that this procedure is typically straightforward, and the stitches dissolve in about 10 days.
Epididymo-Orchitis
This condition occurs when the epididymis, the tube that stores sperm, becomes inflamed—often due to an infection. A bacterial infection is a common cause, but sexually transmitted diseases (like Chlamydia or gonorrhea) or even the mumps virus can also lead to this issue. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for bacterial infections, but if your infection is from an STD, both you and your partner may need treatment.
Hernia
A hernia happens when part of your bowel pushes through your groin, causing your scrotum to swell. While not always dangerous, hernias usually require surgery to correct. It’s important to consult with a specialist to determine the best course of action.
Testicular Torsion
Testicular torsion is one of the most serious conditions you can experience. This happens when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It’s different from other testicular lumps because it requires immediate medical attention. Common signs include severe testicular pain, nausea, vomiting, and swelling of the scrotum. If left untreated for too long, it can cause permanent damage or even lead to the loss of the testicle. Surgery is required to untwist the cord and restore blood flow, so don’t wait if you suspect this condition!
Testicular Cancer
Though rare, a hard lump on your testicle could be a sign of testicular cancer. In fact, less than 4% of testicular lumps are cancerous. These lumps tend to develop slowly and are often painless. Testicular cancer typically affects men between 15 and 49 years old, though it’s much less common in older men. If you have a lump, don’t wait—seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment often involves surgery, and depending on the cancer’s stage, chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended. Early detection significantly improves your chances of successful treatment.
