Have you ever felt weird or lumpy when touching your balls? Have you ever checked it for lumps? If not, it’s time to check before it’s too late. We listed 5 things to remember when checking your balls for lumps.
- What are lumps?
Lumps are small components of abnormal mass filled with fluid. According to the National Health Service, these lumps, also known as Varicoceles, have a soft texture and typically develop slowly above the testicle, often on the left side of the scrotum (the loose sac of skin that contains the testicles). They might be described as feeling like a “bag of worms.” Some of the possible causes of these lumps include varicoceles, hydroceles, epididymal cysts, epididymo-orchitis, and inguinal hernias.
Your testicles are responsible for producing and storing your sperm until it’s the time to release it. It also regulates the male sex hormone, testosterone. Therefore, your testicles should be taken care of and checked for lumps from time to time. Especially if you are facing pain or discomfort around your testicular area, then do check your balls for any lumps or swelling.
- How to check for lumps?
Normally, a man’s testicles can be compared to an egg when we talk about its shape. However, if you find any extraordinary change in shape due to swelling or lumps, then make sure you visit your doctor. He may run a few tests on you after examining the lumps. Some lumps are common and do not give much reason to worry.
But, there’s always a risk of lumps to be a sign of testicular cancer so let’s be better safe than sorry. So checking for lumps will require you to move your penis aside and hold one testicle at a time, rub it gently between your thumb and finger and check for any possible lumps, or any unusual changes that you observe. Do not get confused between a blood vessel and a lump. Also, if you find one of your testicles to be larger than the other then it’s not a big reason to worry.
- Reasons behind lumps.
While lumps on testicles aren’t rare, sometimes, they can indicate a major health disorder like testicular cancer. Lumps on testicles can indicate the beginning of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in young men. Other reasons include a hydrocele, which may first appear in the form of swelling and is common in newborn males. A spermatocele is caused due to the inflammation of the tube beside your testicle that holds the unused sperm.
Another reason might be a varicocele, which is the enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. In this case, the affected testicle might feel heavier than the non-affected testicle. Lumps on testicles can also occur due to a prolonged infection which may be causing pain, swelling, or inflammation of your testicles.
As per the National Health Service, lumps in the scrotum can also be attributed to epididymal cysts, which result from fluid accumulation in the coiled tube behind the testicles. Additionally, epididymo-orchitis, characterized by inflammation of the epididymis and testicles, can also cause such lumps. Furthermore, inguinal hernias, where fatty tissue or a portion of the bowel protrudes into the groin, leading to scrotal enlargement.
If you feel any discomfort around your testicular area, always check for lumps and visit a doctor, if needed.
- Possible treatments
Your treatment will depend upon the diagnosis of your lump by the doctor. In case of a varicocele, if you are facing pain, the doctor might prescribe some over-the-counter medicines. If the discomfort persists, then you might have to opt for a surgery where the affected blood vessels might be tied or the blood flow be diverted to ease the swelling. A hydrocele found in newborns might heal on its own by age 2.
If not, then an incision is made to drain the excess fluid. Whereas, an epididymal cyst can heal on its own unless it continues to cause discomfort. A surgery involving removal of the cyst and sealing the scrotum with stitches might have to be performed in this case. However, if you’re diagnosed with testicular cancer, it can be treated with the help of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. In extreme cases, removal of the testicle is suggested for it to stop spreading.
- Precautions
One of the reasons why lumps develop is through Sexually Transmitted Infections. Therefore, you can prevent them by practicing safe sex. It is beneficial for both, you and your partner. Moreover, if you are an athlete, wear a cup to prevent your testicles from any injury. Make it a rule to get a physical examination done at least once a year. If you face any changes in your testicles corresponding to its shape, size, smell, hardness then check for lumps using your finger and thumb.
If you observe any irregularity, then it is advised to visit a doctor as soon as possible. While there is no way to “prevent” testicular cancer, a regular checkup can ensure that it gets recognized during the early stages as the treatment becomes more complicated as it progresses. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a regular sleep schedule is known to contribute to the prevention of testicular diseases.
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- Cancerous lumps
Many factors could trigger lump development around your balls. Remember that one of the most dreaded lumps could be caused by testicular cancer.
Cancerous cells may develop in your testicles. Or this infection may be spread by penile cancer.
The American Cancer Society reports that over 90 percent of cancerous testicular lumps originate in the germ cells. Annually, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer, translating to a one in 270 chance of developing this condition. The most common age group affected is men in their late 20s and early 30s, with an average age of diagnosis being 33 years old.
Whichever the cause, only detailed testicular cell screening for tumors can confirm for sure whether you have cancer or not. When detected early, this form of cancer is curable.
There is no standard or recommended screening to detect early-stage testicular cancer. You may only suspect it during self-examination.
It manifests in swellings and lumps around the testes. So, check for hard lumps on the front or side of the testicles. Maybe, you could also notice a marked difference in the size and shape of the individual testis.
One could be enlarged and firm than the other. Also, you could feel intense pain in one of your balls, or the scrotum.
Get checked by your GP to confirm what the causes of testicular lumps are.
- Varicocele
The testicle may also be lumpy due to a condition called varicocele. Varicocele is a swelling akin to the varicose veins, or webbed veins forming in your legs.
But here it affects your testicles. The cause of these swellings isn’t clear yet, and most men suffering from this condition don’t experience any symptoms.
But if this lump isn’t treated, it may cause infertility and retarded testicular development during puberty. Basically, this condition blocks sperm passage, preventing semen development, and ejaculation.
Instead, this swelling causes blood clots to fill the testicular tissues and prevent their proper functioning. Treatment of this condition is through surgery.
The doctor may stitch or clip the offensive vein shut. This way, he stops the flow of blood that causes the lumps. This allows the area to heal and hence opens up the veins for ejaculatory fluids movement.
This is a fairly common occurrence. At least 15% of men suffer from this condition. Varicocele doesn’t pick any particular race, age, or place.
In conclusion, we elaborated on five things men must remember when checking their balls for lumps. We hope the information regarding bumps on your balls can make you take better care of your penis health and help you detect lumps early.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Are 5 Warning Signs Of Testicular Cancer?
Introduction
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. Although it is relatively rare, it is still important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. This paper will discuss the five warning signs of testicular cancer so that men can be aware and take the necessary steps to detect and treat it if necessary.
Warning Sign 1: A Lump or Swelling in the Testicles
The first warning sign of testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in either one or both testicles. This is the most common symptom and is usually painless. It is important to note that not all lumps or swellings are signs of cancer, but they should still be checked out by a doctor just to be sure.
Warning Sign 2: Pain or Discomfort in the Testicles
Another warning sign of testicular cancer is pain or discomfort in the testicles. This can range from a dull ache to a sharp or burning sensation. It is important to note that this symptom is usually not a sign of cancer, but it should still be checked out by a doctor.
Warning Sign 3: A Change in Testicle Size or Shape
A change in the size or shape of the testicles can also be a warning sign of testicular cancer. This can include one testicle becoming larger than the other, or an overall increase or decrease in size. It is important to note that this symptom can also be a sign of another condition, so it should be checked out by a doctor.
Warning Sign 4: A Feeling of Heaviness in the Scrotum
Another warning sign of testicular cancer is a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. This can range from a mild sensation to a more pronounced feeling. It is important to note that this symptom can also be a sign of another condition, so it should be checked out by a doctor.
Warning Sign 5: A Dull Ache in the Lower Abdomen or Groin
Finally, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin can also be a warning sign of testicular cancer. This can range from a mild sensation to a more pronounced feeling. It is important to note that this symptom can also be a sign of another condition, so it should be checked out by a doctor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important for men to be aware of the five warning signs of testicular cancer. These signs include a lump or swelling in the testicles, pain or discomfort in the testicles, a change in testicle size or shape, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, and a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin. If any of these signs are present, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it is important to be aware of the signs and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
