Testicles are a part of a male reproductive system responsible for the production of sperm and testosterone (male sex hormone) stored inside the scrotum (loose skin sac present behind the penis).
Many conditions can cause testicular lumps/swellings. Seldom can these testicle lumps/swellings be due to testicular cancer. Fortunately, most of these lumps are non-cancerous (benign) of origin. Approximately less than 4% of men are thought to be cancerous according to Cancer Research UK.
Your IPSA Medical testicular-health consultation
Once you have booked your testicular health consultation, an IPSA Medical clinician will examine you with complete discretion and confidentiality. Our skilled IPSA Medical practitioner is familiar with issues related to testicles.
With IPSA Medical’s person-centred, holistic treatment, your IPSA Medical physician will work alongside you, ensuring a thoroughly detailed symptom check, risk factor check, and family history check.
If a testicular infection or inflammation is diagnosed, then your IPSA Medical specialist can immediately prescribe antibiotic treatments, analgesia medication, or anti-inflammatories.
If your IPSA Medical clinician has any doubts/ concerns regarding testicular cancer following your initial assessment, he will refer to you without delay, with a suitable appointment time to a local testicular clinic.
Men’s health and the types of testicular lumps/swellings
There are four main categories of testicular swellings and lumps: varicoceles, hydroceles, epididymal cysts and testicular torsion.
Varicoceles are swellings caused by enlarged or dilated veins in your scrotum. Hydroceles are swellings that are due to a fluid build-up around your testicle/s. Epididymal cysts are lumps formed when fluid builds up in your epididymis (a coiled tube that is behind your testicles). If your cyst/s contain sperm, then this is called a spermatocele. Testicular torsion, which is a sudden, painful swelling caused by a twisted testicle that then interferes with your blood supply to your testicles, is a medical emergency that produces testicular pain.
When should I go to my IPSA Medical Clinic for a Testicular Health Consultation?
If you discover any abnormal changes in the testicles, or of any related swellings/lumps, then visit your IPSA Medical practitioner, because a professional examination is always a must.
Who is affected by testicular changes?
Varicoceles occur in 1 in 7 men, so they are relatively common. After puberty when your body has sexually matured, your testicles are then fully developed, and an increase occurs in the blood flow to any affected veins; this is therefore usually when any varicoceles become noticeable.
Only one or two per cent of new-born males are affected by hydroceles. In both men and in boys who are older, hydroceles can form after injury or infection.
Around a third of men develop epididymal cysts. Even though these cysts can develop at any time in males, they mostly occur in middle-aged men.
Testicular torsion is uncommon, affecting men in their twenties, but it is more usual in 13–17-year-old males. Studies from America show that testicular torsion only affects 1 in 4000 men yearly.
Are there any other causes of testicular lumps/swellings?
There are some other known causes for testicular lumps/swellings:
- A testicular inflammation (called epididymo-orchitis) when both your epididymitis and orchitis (a testicular inflammation) combine, which is often linked to infection.
- An epididymis inflammation (called epididymitis) is caused by an STI (sexually transmitted infection) or a urinary tract infection.
- An inguinal hernia. This condition affects around 25% of all men during their life and is when a bowel section protrudes through either a weak muscle or the surrounding wall tissue into your groin.
It is important to have any testicular changes fully assessed by your IPSA Medical physician. If you any issues, then book your IPSA Medical testicular-health consultation at your IPSA Medical clinic today.
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