Testicular swelling can be caused by hydrocele, varicocele, testicular cysts, testicular torsion, or testicular cancer. Some conditions are painless, while others can cause discomfort and require medical attention. Treatment options include surgery and drainage.
Common causes of testicular swelling include hydrocele, varicocele, testicular cysts, testicular torsion and, in some cases, testicular cancer. Each of these conditions is known to cause testicular swelling, although not all individuals will experience pain associated with the inflammation. In most cases, swollen testicles will either be enlarged or have a noticeable lump, both of which can be detected with a testicular self-exam at home.
A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid in the testicles and is one of the most common causes of testicular swelling. There is a pair of membranes that surround the testicle and when fluid gets trapped between these membranes, hydrocele occurs. The scrotal swelling associated with hydroceles is typically painless and disappears on its own. If the condition persists, testicular drainage or surgery are both viable options.
When the blood in the spermatic vein is blocked, varicose veins can develop around the testicles. This condition is called varicocele and is also quite common; studies indicate that approximately 15% of all men will experience varicoceles. In the treatment of testicular swelling for varicocele, surgery may be performed, but this measure is undertaken only when the patient’s fertility is at risk. In most cases, varicoceles are not serious and will dissipate over time.
Testicular cysts, or spermatoceles, are tiny fluid-filled sacs that develop on the tiny connecting tubes at the back of the testicles. A spermatocele also contains an accumulation of sperm, but the condition is relatively painless and not at all critical. If the cysts are so large that they are visible through the scrotum, a patient may have the cysts drained or undergo surgery.
Two rarer but not unheard-of causes of testicular swelling are testicular torsion and testicular cancer. In testicular torsion, the spermatic cord becomes twisted and blood can no longer flow successfully to the testicle. This is a serious condition as lack of blood can kill the testicle, forcing surgical removal and possible infertility. Symptoms of testicular swelling in patients with testicular torsion include pain associated with the swelling, nausea, fever, and fainting.
An early sign of testicular cancer is swelling of the testicles. The swelling is usually accompanied by some amount of pain, although this is not always the case. Small hardened lumps can also develop on the testicles. While this type of swelling is rarely a cause for alarm, medical professionals encourage men with these symptoms to see a doctor right away to confirm or deny a cancer diagnosis.
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