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Scrotal lumps, pain and swelling

Hydrocele, varicocele, testicular torsion

There are many causes of lumps or pain in the scrotum, including hydrocele, varicocele, and testicular torsion. Most lumps are not cancer, and many are not serious. However, you should always see a doctor if you have pain, swelling or a lump in this area. If a pain is very severe, or starts suddenly, you should seek advice urgently.

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Causes of lumps, pain and swelling in the scrotum

Common causes of pain or lumps in the scrotum include:

Uncommon causes of scrotal lumps, pain and swelling

Other rare or less common causes include:

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Why does the scrotum swell?

Swellings in the scrotum can be due to:

  • Extra fluid inside the scrotum.

  • Abnormal tissue growing.

  • Normal tissue which has become swollen, inflamed, or hard.

Testicles photo

Hanging_testicles

Creator, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms of scrotal lumps and swelling

The symptoms depend on the cause of the problem. Possible symptoms include:

  • Noticing a lump which has not been there before.

  • A sudden pain.

  • A dull ache.

  • Redness or warmth of the skin of your scrotum.

  • The testicle (testis) or structures around it may be very tender.

  • Swelling of your scrotum.

  • Feeling sick (nauseated) or being sick (vomiting).

  • Having a temperature, passing urine more frequently, or pus or blood in your urine (if the cause is an infection).

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What tests are used for scrotal lumps or pain?

Your doctor will often be able to tell what kind of swelling it is just from examining you. For example, they may shine a light through your scrotum, as fluid will light up. Or they may ask you to cough which may make a hernia more obvious.

You will usually have an ultrasound scan to be sure of the cause and to find out whether you need any treatment. An ultrasound scan is a painless test that uses sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside your body. Sometimes a blood test may be helpful too.

Treatment for scrotal lumps, pains and swelling

The treatment depends on the cause. Often no treatment at all is needed. Other times - for example, in testicular torsion or testicular cancer - treatment is needed urgently. See each individual leaflet for further information on the different treatments.

NB: always see a doctor for advice about whether treatment is needed.

Further reading and references

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

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