Should we be worried?

The appearance of a hard mass in the testicular area is a frequent phenomenon. It usually appears gradually and seems hard or swollen to the touch. Most of the time, this type of lesion is quite benign. However, it is necessary to consult in order to exclude a testicular tumour, a cancer that is relatively common in young people between the ages of 20 and 35. And if intense and continuous testicular pain occurs after a blow, you should consult urgently.

Where did it come from?

A mass or pain in a testicle can have many causes:

  • Testicular torsion, relatively common in young people between 15 and 25 years of age. After a blow, the testicle turns on itself and prevents blood from coming in. In order to avoid complications, it is essential to go to the emergency room within hours.
  • An epididymal cyst, a benign and painless lesion that develops in the duct connecting the testicle to the penis.
  • Testicular cancer, which mainly affects young people between 20 and 35 years of age. In order to detect an abnormality as soon as possible, it is recommended to palpate the testicles every six months or so.

What does the urologist do?

First, the urologist performs an ultrasound scan to exclude a tumor process. In the case of a cyst, no special intervention should be performed. If it causes discomfort or pain, it can still be surgically removed.

In the case of cancer, the procedure to be followed is determined according to the tumour. This is usually a local and surgical treatment.

The treatment of testicular torsion is always surgical, under general anaesthesia.

What to remember

  • The masses palpated in the testicles are most often benign.
  • It is important to consult to rule out a possible tumor.
  • It is recommended to palpate your testicles every six months to avoid missing an anomaly.