Testicular lumps, benign

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The testicles are glands that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. Non-cancerous (benign) lumps can develop in the testicles for a number of reasons.

A hydrocele is a swelling of the sac (scrotum) that contains a testicle, caused by an accumulation of excess fluid in the surrounding membrane. It can occur on one or both sides. Hydroceles may be present at birth (congenital hydrocele), are most common in infants, but can occur at any age.

A varicocele causes swelling due to swollen veins within the scrotum. They commonly occur in teenagers or young adults. It almost always affects the left testicle and affects 10-15% of men, with up to 40% of infertile men having been found to have a varicocele.

An epididymal cyst (spermatocele) is a fluid filled swelling of the epididymis. The epididymis is a coiled tube, on top of and behind the testicles, which stores and then carries sperm away from the testicles. The cysts are usually small, do not usually cause pain and are harmless. Numerous cysts may develop along the epididymis. Epididymal cysts are common, especially in men over the age of 40.

Torsion of the testicle occurs when the testicle twists around the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply to the testicle, causing acute pain and swelling. This is common in teenage boys, but can affect men of any age. Unless it is reversed urgently by surgery it can result in death of the testicle.