Scrotal Masses Overview
Learn About Scrotal Masses
A scrotal mass is a lump or bulge that can be felt in the scrotum. The scrotum is the sac that contains the testicles.
Testicular mass; Scrotal growth
A scrotal mass can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant).
Benign scrotal masses include:
- Hematocele -- blood collection in the scrotum
- Hydrocele -- fluid collection in the scrotum
- Spermatocele -- a cyst-like growth in the scrotum that contains fluid and sperm cells
- Varicocele -- a varicose vein along the spermatic cord
- Epididymal cyst -- a swelling in the duct behind the testes that transports sperm
- Scrotal abscess -- a collection of pus within the wall of the scrotum
Scrotal masses can be caused by:
- Abnormal bulge in the groin (inguinal hernia)
- Diseases such as epididymitis or orchitis
- Injury to the scrotum
- Testicular torsion
- Testicular cancer
- Infections
Symptoms include:
- Enlarged scrotum
- Painless or painful testicle lump
A provider should evaluate all scrotal masses. However, many types of masses are harmless and do not need to be treated unless you are having symptoms.
In some cases, the condition may improve with self-care, antibiotics, or pain relievers. You need to get medical attention right away for a growth in the scrotum that is painful.
If the scrotal mass is part of the testicle, it has a higher risk of being cancerous. Surgery may be needed to remove the testicle if this is the case.
A jock strap or scrotal support may help relieve the pain or discomfort from the scrotal mass. A hematocele, hydrocele, spermatocele, or scrotal abscess may sometimes need surgery to remove the collection of blood, fluid, pus or dead cells.
Athina Tsili practices in Ioannina, Greece. Ms. Tsili and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Scrotal Masses. Her top areas of expertise are Scrotal Masses, Testicular Cancer, Varicocele, and Scrotal Swelling.
Adventist Health System-Sunbelt Inc
Sylvester Onyishi is an Urologist in Wauchula, Florida. Dr. Onyishi and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Scrotal Masses. His top areas of expertise are Testicle Lump, Scrotal Masses, Urinary Tract Infection in Children, Ureteroscopy, and Prostatectomy. Dr. Onyishi is currently accepting new patients.
Urology Center PC
Stephen Lim is an Urologist in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Lim and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Scrotal Masses. His top areas of expertise are Obstructive Uropathy, Familial Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Ureteroscopy, and Reconstructive Urology Surgery. Dr. Lim is currently accepting new patients.
Most conditions that cause scrotal masses can be easily treated. Even testicular cancer has a high cure rate if found and treated early.
Have your provider examine any scrotal growth as soon as possible.
Complications depend on the cause of the scrotal mass.
Contact your provider if you find a lump or bulge in your scrotum. Any new growth in the testicle or scrotum needs to be checked by your provider to determine if it may be testicular cancer.
You can prevent scrotal masses caused by sexually transmitted diseases by practicing safe sex.
To prevent scrotal masses caused by injury, wear an athletic cup during exercise.
Published Date: July 01, 2023
Published By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Germann CA. Urologic disorders. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 85.
Sommers D, Winter T. The scrotum. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 22.