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Urology (Expert Forum)
9 yr old has enlarged testicle with pain
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
9 yr old has enlarged testicle with pain
by Tracy__0__0, Feb 17, 1999 12:00AM
My son is 9 years old and has had this problem off and on for the last year or so. His testicle will enlarge and right above the sac it is painful when barely pressed on. He has seen a physician about this about 6 months ago and he said it wasn't anything to worry about but at the time of the actual appointment the swelling had gone down. My son said it feels heavier on that side and it looks huge compared to the other side. He also tends to have a stinging sensation while urinating and about 3 times a week he will complain of his penis just stinging and hurting. Is this just something that happens to growing boys or is there a possible problem?
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SAL, Feb 17, 1999 12:00AM
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Dear Tracy,
The swelling and pain that you describe may be due to a hernia or hydrocele. Most children do not have discomfort with these. They are related to the way a certain structure in the groin region develops. This is distinctly different than the hernias that adults may develop from heavy lifting with a resulting tear of the muscles of the abdominal wall. He will tend to have discomfort after being up and around and especially after athletic activities with the resulting increase in abdominal pressure that forces a piece of intestine or omentum (an internal fatty structure) into the hernia sac. A hernia does need to be surgically corrected as a piece of intestinal can get caught in the sac and have its blood supply cut-off.
A hydrocele in a child is quite similar to a hernia except that fluid from the abdomen fills the sac by the same mechanism. There is not the risk of something getting caught but the swelling does not get better and may well get larger over time.
There is an unlikely possibility, given your description, that he has been having intermittent twisting (torsion) of his spermatic cord. This can result in the death of the testicle if it stays in the twisted state for more than 6-8 hours. He needs to be seen acutely by a pediatric urologist or general/pediatric surgeon when he is having symptoms.
The penile pain that you describe is not “normal” but may not be significant. He at the least needs a good physical exam and a urinalysis (to evaluate him for an infection). The penile symptoms and the scrotal discomfort are two different problems.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available through our department at the Henry Ford Hospital and its suburban locations (I-800-653-6568).
HFHS M.D.-SAL
*keyword: Pediatric inguinal hernia, scrotal swelling, torsion of the spermatic cord
