Testicular pain - What can this be?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have a lump on my testicle which is painful to the touch. What can this be ?w

Dear Danie: The causes of testicular pain and lump could be cause due to : i) Infection or Inflammation:  The most common condition related to testicular inflammation and infection is epididymitis.  This condition can occur at any age, may cause severe, sudden pain.

ii) Trauma or Injury:  Sports injuries or puncture wounds to the scrotum should be assessed quickly.  Lumps found may or may not be related to the injury but need to be examined.

iii) Testicular Torsion:  This is a medical emergency.  It is rare and occurs when the testicles "twist" and cut of the blood supply.  It causes acute severe swelling and needs to "untwisted" within 5 hours.  Surgery is commonly required.

Testicular cancer usually present as a painless lump in men under the age of 30. Diagnosis is made by history and physical examination and ultrasonography if indicated.