Scrotal Masses - Symptoms and Causes

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions worldwide. This lung disease causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. As a result, it leads to breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may significantly impact daily activities.

The condition often begins in childhood but can develop at any age. While there’s no cure for asthma, proper management helps control symptoms and prevent complications.

Understanding triggers like allergens, exercise, and respiratory infections is key to effectively managing this condition.

Overview

Scrotal masses refer to abnormal lumps or swellings found in the scrotum, the skin pouch containing the testicles. These masses typically fall into three main categories:

Fluid accumulations
Abnormal tissue growth
Inflamed or hardened structures within the scrotum

Medical evaluation of any scrotal mass is essential, even without pain or discomfort. Some masses may indicate testicular cancer, while others might signal conditions affecting testicular function and health.

Signs and Symptoms

A scrotal mass can cause different symptoms. Some people feel pain, while others do not. You might notice:

An unusual lump in the scrotum
Sharp, sudden pain
A heavy feeling or dull ache in the scrotum
Pain that moves to the groin, abdomen, or lower back
Swelling or tenderness in a testicle
Swollen scrotum
Skin color changes on the scrotum
Nausea or vomiting

If an infection is causing the scrotal mass, you might also experience:

Fever
Frequent urination
Blood or pus in your urine

When Medical Care Is Needed

Seek emergency help immediately if you have sudden scrotal pain. Some conditions require prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage to the testicle.

Make an appointment with a healthcare provider if you:

Find a lump in your scrotum
Notice any unusual changes in your scrotum
Have a painless mass (even masses that don’t hurt should be checked)

For children, contact their doctor if:

Your child shows any symptoms of a scrotal mass
You’re concerned about your child’s genital health
A testicle hasn’t descended into the scrotum (undescended testicle), which might increase the risk of developing certain scrotal masses later

If you’re unsure about a change, it’s always better to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Causes

Many health conditions can cause a scrotal mass or changes in the scrotum. Understanding these causes helps with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Testicular Cancer

This serious condition starts in the testicles and often presents as a painless lump or swelling. Some men with testicular cancer have no symptoms at all. Any new lump in the scrotum should be checked by a healthcare provider promptly.

Fluid-Filled Conditions

Spermatocele: A benign, fluid-filled sac typically located above the testicle.
Hydrocele: Extra fluid collection between the layers of the sac surrounding each testicle, causing painless swelling.
Hematocele: Blood buildup in the sac around the testicle, often resulting from injury.

Inflammatory Conditions

Epididymitis: Inflammation of the coiled tube behind the testicle (epididymis).
- Usually caused by bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia
- Viral infections can sometimes be responsible
Orchitis: Inflammation affecting the testicle itself.
- Typically results from viral illnesses, with mumps being the most common cause

Vascular and Structural Issues

Varicocele: Enlarged veins inside the scrotum.
- More common on the left side due to blood flow differences
- May contribute to fertility problems
Inguinal Hernia: Part of the small intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
- Appears as a mass in the scrotum or higher in the groin
- In babies, often happens when a passageway from the abdomen to scrotum doesn’t close properly before birth

Emergency Condition

Testicular Torsion: A painful twisting of the spermatic cord.
- Cuts off blood supply to the testicle
- Requires immediate medical attention
- Without prompt treatment, can result in loss of the testicle

In adults, hydroceles often develop from an imbalance in fluid production or absorption, frequently following injury or infection. In infants, they typically occur when an opening between the abdominal area and scrotum doesn’t close properly during development.

The causes of scrotal masses vary widely in severity. While some conditions like spermatoceles are generally harmless, others like testicular torsion represent medical emergencies.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of developing a scrotal mass:

Undescended Testicle: When a testicle fails to move from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth or shortly after.
Birth Conditions: Being born with unusual changes in the testicles, penis, or kidneys may increase the risk for scrotal masses later in life.
Cancer History: If you’ve had testicular cancer previously, you face a higher risk of developing it in the other testicle. Having a parent or sibling with testicular cancer also increases your risk.

Complications

Scrotal masses can lead to serious health problems. Not all of these growths cause long-term issues, but some may affect testicular health and function.

The two main complications of untreated scrotal masses include:

Developmental Issues: Boys experiencing testicular problems may have delayed or poor development during puberty.
Fertility Problems: Men with certain scrotal conditions may experience reduced fertility or infertility.

When scrotal masses are related to testicular cancer, additional complications may arise depending on the treatment approach.

Treatment options typically include:

Surgery

Removal of affected testicle (orchiectomy)
Possible removal of nearby lymph nodes
Recovery time varies by procedure extent

Chemotherapy

Used for certain types of testicular cancer
May cause side effects like nausea, hair loss, and fatigue
Can sometimes affect fertility temporarily or permanently

Radiation Therapy

Targeted treatment for specific cancer types
May cause skin irritation, fatigue, or nausea
Potential long-term effects on surrounding tissues

Regular self-examination helps detect problems early. Men should perform testicular self-exams monthly to identify any changes or abnormalities.

Some scrotal masses present with pain, while others are painless. Painless swelling can be particularly concerning as it might indicate conditions that require prompt medical attention.

Risk factors that increase the chance of developing certain scrotal masses include:

Risk Factor	Associated Conditions
Family history	Higher risk of testicular cancer
Previous testicular problems	Increased chance of recurrence
Age	Different conditions affect different age groups
Undescended testicle	Higher risk of various testicular issues

Some scrotal conditions, like hematoceles (blood collections), may mimic more serious conditions but are treatable with appropriate medical care.

For boys and adolescents, scrotal masses may have different causes than in adults. Pediatric specialists can determine the appropriate treatment approach based on the child’s age and specific condition.