HWN Suggests

What’s the difference between a lump on your scrotum and your testicles?

Whether you’re feeling around under the car seat or having a rearrange downstairs ­— it’s always a little alarming to come across something you didn’t expect to be there. So, when you find a lump on your genitals, it’s natural to consider the worst-case scenario. If you want to save yourself some unnecessary stress, it’s important to understand the difference between a lump on your scrotum and a lump on your testicles.

read full article

Featured

 Common Causes of a Lump in Your Scrotum (and What to Do About It)

Lumps in the scrotum—also known as a scrotal mass—is a sensitive subject for men, but an important one to talk about. Many men experience scrotal masses at some point in their lives. Scrotal masses can happen for many reasons. This may be alarming to some but is not a cause for concern. It's always good to know what they are so you don't panic. Most testicular lumps are benign and will go away on their own with no treatment necessary.

Articles of Interest

Don’t Panic: Here’s What a Scrotal Lump Could Be

Noticing a lump under the skin is concerning. Some of us sink into anxiety, others rush to Google to investigate... All health changes below the belt are cause for concern -

Gamut of Extratesticular Scrotal Masses: Anatomic Approach to Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

The commonly taught tenet that intratesticular lesions are always malignant and extratesticular scrotal lesions are always benign is a simplistic statement that erroneously minimizes the significance of extratesticular scrotal masses and their diagnosis.

Imaging of Testicular and Scrotal Masses: The Essentials

For many radiologists, requests for imaging evaluation of testicular or scrotal symptoms and physical exam findings may cause some degree of uneasiness, for two main reasons: first, the number of tumor entities and tumor-like lesions in the testes and scrotum is relatively large and their histopathologic classification is complex and second, case volume of scrotal studies for non-emergency indications may be relatively low in some centers.

Pediatric Scrotal Masses

The differential diagnosis of scrotal masses is extensive. Although most are benign, confirmatory ultrasound is necessary if the history and physical examination are not definitive.

Scrotal Masses

Cystic lesions of the scrotum are much more common than solid lesions. A cystic mass within the epididymis is usually a spermatocele. A cyst within the spermatic cord usually represents a hydrocele. A cystic mass that surrounds the entire testicle usually represents a hydrocele. When careful physical examination, including transillumination, fails to distinguish the exact location and nature of the lesion, then scrotal ultrasonography is of great value, especially when the testis is not palpable and a hydrocele is present. Ultrasonography can confirm the location of the mass and differentiate between solid and cystic lesions.

What You Need to Know About Scrotal Masses

They often don’t cause any symptoms but can cause discomfort or pain if they grow large enough to press on other structures in the scrotum. If you have a scrotal mass, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the exact cause of the mass and whether treatment is needed.

Resources

Am Fam Physician

Scrotal and testicular masses can be broadly categorized into painful conditions, which include testicular torsion, torsion of the testicular appendage, and epididymitis, and painless conditions, which include hydrocele, varicocele, and testicular cancer.