Scrotal Mass
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Scrotal masses are made up of fluid or solid material
in or around the scrotum or the testicles.
Scrotum is a loose sac of skin, below the penis. The testicles
reside inside the scrotal sac. A scrotal mass or swelling may be a sign of
something as serious as cancer, or
may indicate a less serious or harmless condition like a scrotal cyst. You
can develop a scrotal mass at any age. However, any unusual lumps or swelling
in
the scrotal
area
needs to be examined and taken care of as soon as it is
noticed or detected by the physician.
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Cysts |
Spermatocele |
This common type of benign cyst develops
in the spermatic cord which lies adjacent to the epididymis near the
top of the testicle. |
Hydrocele |
This soft swelling in the scrotum is a collection
of watery fluid in the sheath that holds the testicle. Normally this
sheath contains just enough fluid to lubricate the testicle. When the
body produces too much fluid or can not absorb enough, the excess
liquid creates a hydrocele. Hydroceles may occur on one or both sides
and occur most often in older men. |
Varicocele |
Enlarged scrotal veins cause this benign, painless
swelling which commonly occurs on the left side. Due to
a problem with valves inside the veins, blood backs up from the testicular
and scrotal veins. The swelling feels
like a bag of
worms on touch. This sensation may disappear when you lie down. The
varicocele itself
is not serious, but it may contribute to infertility. |
Infection |
Epididymitis |
This infection in the tubular coil (epididymis) that collects sperm
from the testes produces pain in the top and rear of the scrotum. The
pain is generally severe and develops gradually over several hours
or days. Fever and swelling are common. |
Orchitis |
This inflammation of the testicle is often due to a
infection by a bacteria or the mumps virus. It involves
pain and swelling in the scrotum along with
a feeling
of
added
weight
in
the
scrotum.
Orchitis may also occur when there is an infection of the prostate
or the epididymis or it may appear as a manifestation
of other less common diseases. This condition can
permanently
damage
one or
both testicles,
resulting in diminished size of the testicle, inadequate hormone production
and infertility. |
Hernia |
Inguinal Hernia |
An inguinal hernia develops when the small
bowel protrudes through a weak point of the abdominal wall in the groin
area. The result is a bulge in
the groin area that may extend into the scrotum and be painful or uncomfortable. |
Tumors
|
Testicular Cancer |
This condition
is serious and is identified by a lump or swelling within a testicle,
sometimes
accompanied by a heavy
feeling in a testicle. If detected and diagnosed early, this type of
cancer often is treatable. |
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Besides being painful and uncomfortable, scrotal
swellings that may arise due to severe inflammation can permanently damage
the testicular tissue. This may result in inadequate hormone production
and infertility.
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Treatment |
Spermatocele |
Most spermatoceles are small, cause no symptoms
and require no treatment. Large and painful spermatocele may require
surgical removal. Draining the fluid by puncturing the spermatocele through
the
skin may provide temporary relief. But the fluid invariably accumulates
again within a few weeks. |
Hydrocele |
Usually, no treatment is required for a hydrocele
unless the scrotal swelling is large and uncomfortable. |
Varicocele. |
Surgically
tying off (ligation) the varicocele may improve your chances of becoming
fertile
again. |
Epididymitis |
This usually acute condition can be treated with antibiotics. |
Orchitis |
Antibiotics may be prescribed by your physician to treat
bacterial orchitis. Orchitis associated
with viral
infections such as mumps can be treated by conservative means
such as rest and pain-relieving medications. |
Inguinal Hernia. |
Surgery may be recommended for painful
or bothersome inguinal hernia. However, hernias can recur after
surgery, but this happens quite rarely. |
Testicular Cancer |
Please see treatment options for Testicular Cancer |
Prevention |
Testicular Self-Examination |
Testicular Self-Examination (TSE) is a simple procedure
of examining your testicles standing in front of a mirror. This can
dramatically reduce
your risks of overlooking a tumor or abnormality. Testicular Self Examination
cannot substitute for a doctor's examination done during regular physical
check ups. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle while
placing your thumbs on the top and gently roll the testicle between the
thumbs and the fingers. Testicles are usually smooth, oval shaped and
somewhat firm. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than
the other. Also, the cord leading upward from the top of the testicle
(epididymis) is a normal part of the scrotum. If you find a lump, consult
your physician as soon as possible
|
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American Association for Cancer Research
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
National Digestive
Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Healthfinder
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