Testicular Lumps and Bumps: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

The testicles are the main source of testosterone and sperm in the body. And if you’ve ever been hit below the waist, you also know that their location makes them susceptible to trauma. And rarely, the testicles can also be the site of infection or cancer. 

Testicular injury, infection, and cancer can show up as lumps, swelling, or pain in the testicles. Knowing what the testicles normally feel like can help you know if and when you should seek medical care.

What can cause a testicle lump?

Any condition leading to inflammation, fluid buildup, or abnormal tissue growth can cause a lump in the testicles. Sometimes these lumps are benign, which means they don't cause cancer. Other times, these lumps can lead to serious complications if left undiagnosed and untreated. 

Some common causes of lumps, swelling, or pain in the testicle include:

• Cyst (a collection of fluid within the epididymis or testicle)

• Inguinal hernia (a hole in the abdominal wall)

• Varicocele (enlarged blood vessels in the scrotal sac)

• Hydrocele (a collection of fluid in the scrotal sac)

• Spermatocele (a collection of sperm trapped in the testicle)

• Testicular torsion (the testicle twists in the scrotal sac)

• Orchitis (infection of the testicles) 

• Epididymitis (infection of the epididymis)

• Testicular cancer

It's hard to know if a lump in your testicle is a sign of a serious condition. So, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional any time you find changes in your testicle. This is true even if you’re not having any pain.

Read more like this

Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.

Testicular Self-Exam: 5 Steps to Check Your Testicles for Cancer and Why It’s Important

What Happens If You Have an Undescended Testicle?

9 Things That Can Cause a Low Sperm Count

The Most Common Side Effects of Prostate Removal (Prostatectomy) and Radiation

View more

How do you check yourself for testicular lumps?

The easiest and most reliable way to know if you have any lumps or bumps in your testicles is to do a monthly testicular self-exam. Testicular self-exams are best done while standing, after a warm bath, or in a warm shower. The warmth allows the muscles in your scrotum to relax, making the exam easier. 

The American Association of Urologists recommends the following steps for a testicular self-exam:

• Look at the scrotum and check for swelling or redness.

• Gently feel one side of the scrotum and locate a testicle.

• Check the testicle by firmly but gently rolling it between the thumb and forefingers of both hands. Make sure to feel the entire surface.

• Feel along the top of the testicle to identify the epididymis. Then feel for a cord-like structure, the vas deferens, leaving the epididymis going toward the body.

• Repeat the steps on the other testicle.

Males should start doing self-exams in their teens, and continue throughout adulthood. By doing the exam every month, you’ll become familiar with what feels normal. Knowing what’s normal will make it easier to know when something is different and needs to be checked by a healthcare provider.

When should you see a healthcare provider for a lump in the testicles?

You should make an appointment to see your healthcare provider right away for any lump in your testicles. If you have pain or swelling, you should also get medical attention immediately. Depending on the source of the changes, a delay in medical care could have serious consequences like:

• The loss of your testicle

• Infertility

• Worsening infection

• Bowel obstruction

• Spread of cancer

What are the warning signs of testicular cancer?

The earliest warning signs of testicular cancer are vague and can mimic other causes of testicular lumps. Some of the warning signs to look for include:

• A firm, painless lump on the testicle

• Scrotal swelling

• A dull scrotal ache

• Heavy feeling in the scrotum

• Testicular pain (rare)

It’s important to remember that testicular cancer is rare. There are only about 4 cases for every 100,000 men each year. But, it’s the most common cancer diagnosed in men between 20 and 35 years old. 

What can be mistaken for testicular cancer?

Any condition that causes a lump, swelling, or pain may be cause for concern of testicular cancer. In addition to the conditions listed above, others include:

• Hematoma (bruise from trauma)

• Sarcoidosis

• Infarction (tissue damage from lack of blood flow)

• Lymphoma spread

Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical exam. And they’ll order certain tests or procedures to help confirm a diagnosis. This may involve:

• Ultrasound of the testicles to look for cysts, blood, or tumors

• CT scan or MRI to look for signs of cancer spreading to other parts of the body

• Blood tests to check for infection and look for other signs of cancer

If any of the tests are concerning, your primary care provider will refer you to a urologist for definitive treatment. It’s important to make the correct diagnosis of any testicular changes, so you can get the proper treatment as soon as possible.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Frank Schwalbe, MD

Frank Schwalbe, MD, is an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the Yale School of Medicine. He has practiced anesthesiology for 30 years.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts