Wednesday, February, 08, 2012

Scrotal masses

Table of Contents

Definition

A scrotal mass is a lump or bulge that can be felt in the scrotum, the sac that contains the testicles.

See also:

  • Hydrocele
  • Orchitis
  • Seminoma
  • Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor
  • Testicular cancer
  • Varicocele

Alternative Names

Hematocele; Spermatocele


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A scrotal mass can be benign (generally harmless) or malignant (cancerous). Benign scrotal masses include:

  • Varicocele -- a varicose vein along the spermatic cord
  • Hydrocele -- fluid collection in the scrotum
  • Hematocele -- blood collection within the scrotum
  • Spermatocele -- a cyst-like mass within the scrotum that contains fluid and dead sperm cells

Scrotal masses can be caused by inflammatory or infectious diseases (for example, epididymitis), physical injury to the scrotum, herniation (inguinal hernia), or tumors.



Review Date: 09/22/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)