Testicular Lumps

Men who regularly self-examine their testicles may find a lump has developed. This needs to be assessed urgently in order to exclude the possibility of a testicular tumour. Testicular tumours mainly arise in men under the age of 35 and although it can develop in older men, it is rare in the older age group. Testicular tumours can easily be felt and confirmed accurately using ultrasound scanning of the scrotum. Once confirmed as cancer, CT scanning can detect if there has been any spread of the tumour.

The surgical treatment of these tumours involves removing the testicle through an incision in the groin (radical orchidectomy). At the same time, a testicular prosthesis can be inserted to replace the testicle. Once the testicle has been analysed by our pathology team, patients are assessed by a specialist oncology doctor in order to determine whether further treatment is required. Overall men diagnosed with testicular cancer respond very well to treatment and have very good survival rates. Mr Muneer ensures that all patients undergoing surgery for testicular cancer are offered sperm banking before the operation so that patients can still start a family following chemotherapy treatment.

In some cases the lesion in the testicle is small and the nature of it is uncertain. In these situations Mr Muneer can undertake a testis preserving surgical techniques which use ultrasound guidance to locate the lesion and then the lesion is excised. The tissue is analysed immediately following which either the testicle is removed if the lesion is malignant or the testicle is preserved if the lesion is benign.

What else can cause scrotal swellings?

There are several other causes of scrotal swellings. The commonest are hydroceles, epididymal cysts and hernias which have descended into the scrotum. These conditions can easily be diagnosed and surgical correction can be offered.

What to expect after surgery

Following radical orchidectomy, patients are advised to take time off work and avoid heavy lifting. The sutures dissolve by themselves but the wound should be kept dry. Where a testicular prosthesis has also been inserted, patients are encouraged to manipulate this into the scrotal sac.

 

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