Finding a painless lump on your testicle can be scary. Your first thought may be cancer, but there are several other possible causes.
Where the lump is can tell you more about what might be causing it. Some lumps form inside the testicle. Others come from the tissue, veins or fluid around it.
You can’t always tell the difference on your own. That’s why it’s a good idea to have any new testicular lump checked, even if it doesn’t hurt.
What Does a Normal Testicle Feel Like?
A normal testicle should feel smooth and firm. It’s also normal for one testicle to hang lower or be a little different in size than the other.
You may also feel the epididymis. This is a soft, coiled tube that sits behind the testicle. It feels different from the testicle itself, so you may mistake it for a lump.
What matters most is whether something has changed. A new lump, firm area, or change in the size or shape of a testicle should be checked.
What Can Cause a Painless Lump on a Testicle?
Several conditions can cause a lump or swelling without much pain.
1. Spermatocele
If the lump feels smooth and seems separate from the testicle, it could be a spermatocele. This is a fluid-filled cyst that forms near the epididymis, usually at the top or back of the testicle.
Spermatoceles are not cancer and often don’t cause pain. Small ones may not need treatment. If one gets large enough to cause heaviness or discomfort, your urologist can talk with you about your options.
2. Hydrocele
A hydrocele happens when fluid builds up around the testicle. Instead of feeling a small lump, you may notice that one side of your scrotum looks or feels larger.
The swelling is often smooth and painless. An ultrasound can show whether fluid is causing the swelling and check the testicle underneath.
3. Varicocele
A varicocele is a group of swollen veins in the scrotum. It feels different from a solid lump and is more common on the left side.
Some varicoceles don’t cause any symptoms. Larger ones may cause a heavy or aching feeling and can sometimes affect fertility.
4. Inguinal Hernia
A lump that seems to come down from your groin could be an inguinal hernia. This happens when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the groin.
The bulge may become easier to notice when you’re:
- Standing
- Coughing
- Straining
- Lifting
It may also change in size during the day. That can be a clue that the lump is coming from the groin rather than the testicle.
What Does a Testicular Cancer Lump Feel Like?
Testicular cancer often starts as a painless lump or swelling in one testicle.
The lump may feel hard or firm and seem to be part of the testicle itself. You may also notice that one testicle has become larger, feels heavier or has changed in texture.
Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, but it can happen at other ages, too.
The good news is that testicular cancer is very treatable, especially when it’s found early. Don’t wait for a lump to hurt or get bigger before having it checked.
Why Does the Location of the Lump Matter?
One of the first things your urologist will want to know is whether the lump is inside the testicle or in the tissue around it.
Many lumps outside the testicle are caused by conditions that aren’t cancer, such as a spermatocele, varicocele, or hernia. A solid lump inside the testicle needs to be checked because it could be cancer.
You may be able to feel that a lump is separate from the testicle, but it isn’t always easy to tell. An ultrasound can give your urologist a much clearer picture.
How Does an Ultrasound Help?
A scrotal ultrasound is painless and doesn’t use radiation. It can show:
- Whether the lump is inside or outside the testicle
- Whether it is solid or filled with fluid
If the area is filled with fluid, it may be a cyst or hydrocele. A solid lump inside the testicle needs more testing to find out what it is.
Have a Painless Lump on Your Testicle?
Most causes of testicular lumps aren’t cancer, but you shouldn’t ignore a new lump just because it doesn’t hurt.
You should also see a urologist if you notice:
- A new firm area in a testicle
- One testicle getting noticeably larger
- Swelling on one side of the scrotum that doesn’t go away
- A new feeling of heaviness
- A change in how a testicle feels
If you’ve found a painless lump on your testicle in Murrells Inlet or Conway, SC, call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment with Atlantic Urology Clinics. An exam and ultrasound can help find out what’s causing the lump and whether you need treatment.