Testicle Lump: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Testicle Lump?
A primary care doctor can examine a testicle lump and arrange an ultrasound. A urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary system and male reproductive organs, usually takes over if the cause needs treatment. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a testicle lump?
A testicle lump is swelling or a growth, called a mass, in one or both testicles. Doctors also call it a scrotal mass. The scrotum is the sac that holds the testicles. A scrotal mass can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). A testicle lump that does not hurt may be a sign of cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a scrotal mass include:
- An enlarged scrotum.
- A testicle lump that may or may not hurt.
Your provider may find that the lump feels tender. It may feel smooth, twisted, or irregular. It may feel liquid, firm, or solid. The lump may be only on one side of the body. The lymph nodes in the groin on the same side as the lump may be enlarged or tender.
Causes and who gets it
A lump that hurts can have these causes:
- Epididymitis.
- Orchitis, an infection of the testicle.
- An infection of the scrotal sac.
- An injury.
- Mumps.
- Testicular torsion, a twisting of the testicle.
- A varicocele, a varicose vein along the spermatic cord.
- A spermatocele, a cyst-like lump that holds fluid and dead sperm cells.
A lump that does not hurt can have these causes:
- A loop of bowel from a hernia, which may or may not cause pain.
- A hydrocele, a collection of fluid in the scrotum.
- A cyst of the epididymis or testicle.
- Testicular cancer.
Most cases of testicular cancer occur in men ages 15 to 40, but it can also occur at older or younger ages. If the scrotal mass is part of the testicle, it has a higher risk of being cancer.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will examine you, which may include looking at and feeling the testicles and scrotum. You will be asked questions about your health history and symptoms. These include when you noticed the lump, whether it hurts or changes in size, and whether you have had recent injuries or infections. A scrotal ultrasound may be done to find the cause of the swelling. Other tests may include a urinalysis, a urine culture, or a biopsy.
Treatment
A provider should evaluate all scrotal masses. Many types of masses are harmless and do not need treatment unless you have symptoms. In some cases, the condition may improve with self-care, antibiotics, or pain relievers. A jock strap or scrotal support may help relieve pain or discomfort. A hematocele, hydrocele, spermatocele, or scrotal abscess may sometimes need surgery to remove the blood, fluid, pus, or dead cells. If the mass is part of the testicle, surgery may be needed to remove the testicle. Most conditions that cause scrotal masses can be easily treated. Even testicular cancer has a high cure rate if found and treated early.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider right away if you notice any unexplained lumps or any other changes in your testicles. You need medical attention right away for a growth in the scrotum that is painful. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body, including the scrotum. A lump on the testicle may be the first sign of testicular cancer. Many men with testicular cancer have been given a wrong diagnosis, so go back to your provider if a lump does not go away.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can examine the lump and ask about your symptoms and health history. They can arrange a scrotal ultrasound and refer you to a urologist when needed.
Common questions
Is a testicle lump always cancer?
No, a testicle lump is not always cancer. Many types of masses are harmless. A lump that does not hurt may be a sign of cancer, so have it checked.
What causes a testicle lump?
Causes of a testicle lump include infections such as epididymitis or orchitis. Others include an injury to the scrotum, a hernia, a hydrocele, a varicocele, or testicular cancer.
How is a testicle lump checked?
Your provider examines you, which may include looking at and feeling the testicles and scrotum. A scrotal ultrasound may also be done to find the cause of the swelling.
Should I check my testicles at home?
It depends on your risk. Men at risk for testicular cancer may be taught to do regular exams of their testicles, starting in puberty. This includes men with a family history of testicular cancer, a past tumor of the testicle, or an undescended testicle.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
