What Are the Lumps in the Scrotum or Scrotal Masses?
Lumps or swelling in the scrotum refers to the abnormalities in the bag or pouch of the skin that covers the testicles. This pouch or bag is known as the scrotum. A lump or a mass can form anywhere on the scrotum and the testicle. They are usually suggestive of an underlying medical condition and are benign (non-cancerous). They turn cancerous in extremely rare situations. Lumps in the scrotum normally form due to the accumulation of fluids and abnormal tissues. They also form after the contents of the scrotum become swollen, hard, or inflamed. Sometimes, males might have infertility issues due to these lumps. Hence, they must be carefully examined by a doctor before they damage the testicular health and functions.
Why Do Scrotal Lumps or Scrotal Masses Occur?
Lumps in the scrotum can occur due to innumerable disorders. Some of them are listed below:
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Testicular Cancer - As the name suggests, the tumor or cancer originating from the testicles is known as testicular cancer. It is usually felt as a non-tender lump around the scrotum. Sometimes, the patient might experience pain and swelling. However, in most cases, it remains asymptomatic.
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Spermatocele - Spermatocele or spermatic cysts is a painless, benign, and fluid-filled sac usually observed in the scrotum.
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Epididymitis - It is a condition wherein the epididymis becomes inflamed due to bacterial infections, sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, and viral infections. The epididymis is a structure responsible for the storage of sperms.
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Orchitis - Orchitis is characterized by the inflammation of the testicles due to a viral infection. Sometimes, it might affect the epididymis.
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Hydrocele - Hydrocele occurs due to the excessive accumulation of fluid in the layers of sacs present around the testicles. It can cause injury and infection in the scrotum in adults.
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Hematocele - Hematocele occurs due to the accumulation of blood between the layers of the sac surrounding the testicle. The most common cause of hematocele is a traumatic injury.
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Inguinal Hernia - It is a condition wherein a part of the small intestine bulges through the tissue separating the stomach and the groin. It might appear as a mass in the scrotum or the groin.
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Testicular Torsion - It is a condition in which the spermatic cord twists resulting in the loss of testicular blood supply. The affected testicle appears larger than normal.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Scrotal Lumps?
The signs and symptoms of scrotal lumps vary according to the abnormalities. The signs and symptoms are listed below:
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Swelling.
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Sudden pain.
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Heaviness in the scrotum is usually accompanied by a dull aching pain.
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Radiating pain in the abdomen, groin, and lower back.
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Swollen and tender testicles.
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Swelling and tenderness in the epididymis and scrotum.
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Redness of the testicular skin.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Fever.
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Urinary urgency.
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Pus discharge in the urine.
How Are Scrotal Masses or Scrotal Lumps Diagnosed?
The doctor recommends several imaging and laboratory tests to diagnose scrotal lumps. The diagnostic methods are listed below:
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Physical Examination - The doctor palpates the scrotum and surrounding areas for swelling and tenderness in the standing and sitting positions.
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Transillumination - The doctor holds a torch against the scrotum. The shining of the bright light of the torch allows one to have a better view of the size and location of the scrotal lump.
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Ultrasound - Ultrasound is a diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to produce images of the internal body organs. It is one of the safest and most effective imaging methods to visualize the exact location and size of the scrotal lumps.
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Urine Test - It is a laboratory test to evaluate the patient’s urine sample for bacterial or viral infection.
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Blood Test - A blood test helps detect protein levels and bacterial or viral infection for diagnosing testicular cancer.
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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan - A CT scan is usually recommended if testicular cancer has been diagnosed in other tests. It helps the doctor understand the extent of the spread of cancer.
How Are Scrotal Lumps Treated?
Most scrotal lumps are asymptomatic and are usually treated with minimally invasive approaches or antibiotics. The treatment options are listed below:
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Infections - Antibiotics are the treatment of choice if scrotal lumps occur due to a bacterial or viral infection. Sometimes, painkillers, rest, and ice packs are enough for treating viral infections.
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Benign Scrotal Lumps - Benign or non-cancerous scrotal lumps can be left untreated as they do not pose any major health risk. The doctor might repair or remove them surgically if they cause discomfort, pain, or increase the risk of infertility or infections.
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Testicular Cancer - The treatment for testicular cancer is usually done by an oncologist based on the position of the tumor and its effects on the other body organs. The treatment options are listed below:
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Radical Inguinal Orchiectomy - It is one of the most preferred methods to treat testicular cancer. In this procedure, the affected testicle and the spermatic cord are removed. It is also removed if the lymph node has become damaged due to cancer.
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Chemotherapy - In this procedure, powerful drugs are administered to the patient to kill cancer cells.
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What Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies Can Be Adopted to Treat Testicular Lumps?
Testicular self-examination helps the patient diagnose a scrotal mass earlier. People performing this exam regularly have a better idea about the normal and the abnormal conditions. Follow the below-mentioned steps to conduct a testicular self-examination:
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The patient must examine their testicles once every month if they are diagnosed with testicular cancer or have a family history.
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The examination should be done after a warm bath as heat helps relax the scrotum and makes it easier for one to examine.
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Stand in front of a mirror to examine the swelling at the side of the scrotum.
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Hold the scrotum with one hand to check whether it feels different from the other side.
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Place the thumb and index fingers at the top and bottom of the testicle to examine them. The patient must examine one testicle at a time.
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Roll the testicles between the thumb and the fingers to feel for swelling. Do not worry if one testicle is larger than the other.
Conclusion
Scrotal lumps or scrotal masses occur commonly in males and should not be confused with cancer as they are mostly benign. Some require early treatment, while others do not pose any major health risk, even if left untreated for prolonged periods. Hence, the patient must perform testicular self-examination regularly to diagnose the condition beforehand and consult a doctor for further evaluation and management.
