Finding a lump is scary. Lots of things besides cancer can cause one, but the only way to know is to get it checked. Here's what it could be, what the doctor will do, and every TCF guide on lumps in one place.
Any testicle lump should be checked by a doctor, whether or not it hurts. Make the appointment now, then come back and read.
If you just found something, these two pages walk you through the next few days.
Common causes, warning signs, and clear next steps.
When to see a doctor and what tests to expect.
Testicular cancer is one possibility, and it's almost always painless. Other conditions can also cause a lump, swelling, or fluid in the scrotum:
You can't tell these apart reliably by feel. That's the doctor's job.
How epididymitis and hydrocele differ from cancer
A doctor may start with a physical exam of the testicles, then an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make a picture of what's inside. Blood tests for tumor markers (AFP and beta-hCG) can help diagnose testicular cancer.
If cancer is suspected, the surgeon does not cut through the scrotum to take a sample. Instead, the whole testicle is removed through a cut in the groin (an inguinal orchiectomy) and checked under a microscope. Cutting through the scrotum could cause cancer to spread, so it's important to choose a surgeon with experience in this surgery.
What to expect and how to prepare.
What these blood tests measure and why they matter.
The steps from first appointment to answer.
Waiting on an appointment or results is hard. You don't have to sit with it alone.
Answers to your questions any time, in plain language.
Talk to the TCF team.
Guys who've been through it, every week.
Sources: National Cancer Institute, Testicular Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis and Prognosis; MedlinePlus (NIH), Testicle pain. This page is for education, not a diagnosis.
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