Scrotal masses

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of a scrotal mass, doctors typically ask about your medical history and perform various tests, which may include:

• Physical assessment. While you are standing or lying down, your doctor will feel your scrotum, its contents, and the surrounding areas of the groin.
• Transillumination. The size, location, and composition of a scrotal mass may be discernible by shining a powerful light through the scrotum.
• Ultrasound. This test can give precise information about the size, location, and composition of a scrotal mass as well as the condition of the testicles. It uses sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. Typically, an ultrasound is required to diagnose a scrotal lump.
• Urine test. A urine sample that is tested in a laboratory may reveal the presence of blood or pus, as well as bacterial or viral infections, or both.
• Blood test. A bacterial or viral infection or increased levels of particular proteins related to testicular cancer may be identified through laboratory analysis of a blood sample.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan.  If testicular cancer is detected through other tests, a specialist X-ray examination (CT scan) of the chest, abdomen, and groin will likely be performed to determine if the disease has spread to other tissues or organs.

Treatment

Most scrotal masses can be treated non-invasively or with minimal intervention, but some require medication or more complicated treatments.

Infections

Antibiotics are used to treat scrotal lumps brought on by bacterial infections, as is frequently the case with epididymitis. Epididymitis and orchitis caused by viral infections are typically treated with rest, ice, and painkillers.

Noncancerous (benign) scrotal masses

Benign scrotal lumps may be surgically removed, corrected, or drained, or they may be left untreated. These treatment choices are influenced by things like whether the scrotal mass:

• Causes discomfort or pain
• Increases the chance of infertility or contributes to it.
• Becomes infected

Testicular cancer

Depending on whether the cancer is contained to the testicles or has progressed to other body tissues, an oncologist who specializes in cancer treatment will advise particular courses of action. Your age and general health will also affect the testicular cancer therapy options you choose.

• Radical inguinal orchiectomy. The main course of action for testicular cancer is this. Through a groin incision, the afflicted testicle and spermatic cord are surgically removed. If the cancer has progressed to your abdominal lymph nodes, these may also need to be removed.
• Chemotherapy. This medication kills cancer cells by using potent chemicals.

Radiation therapy may also be employed in specific circumstances. After the afflicted testicle has been removed, this type of therapy uses high-dose X-rays or other high-energy radiation to eliminate any cancer cells that may have persisted.
The majority of testicular cancer cases are curable, although ongoing care is required to check for potential recurrences.