Small Lump on Testical

  Hi
  I have had a small lump (1-2mm diameter) on my right testical, near the bottom and on the outside for as long as I can remember, I am presently 30, I went to the doctor about 2 years ago after a campaign about self-testing made me concious of it, he said there was no problem and it was probably just a cyst. About 3 weeks ago I had a bit of a pain where the (apparent) cyst is, thought I must have knocked it, it went away but has come back in the last couple of days, It seems to be getting agitated by my jeans and has not yet stopped hurting, there is no increase in size and everything else seems fine. Are these symptoms common with a cyst ?, I read on the net. of a 'spermatocele' and 'hydrocele' could it be one of these ?
  Thanks
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Dear Steve,
The lump on your testicle  could have been caused by several things including a hydrocele or spermatocele as you mentioned.  A quick review of your male anatomy may help you to understand these conditions. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle that may be caused by a number of things including  previous infection/inflammation of the testicle or a previous hernia. A spermatocele is  a collection sperm containing fluid which is usually located at the head of epididymis. The function of the epididymis is to store sperm that has been made by the testicle.The epididymis  has three parts a head, body, and tail. A spermatocele at the bottom of the scrotum is most likely at the tail of the epididymis Without examinig you it is difficult to tell you if you have one of these conditions. However, it is prudent to see a urologist for a lump in the scrotum to ensure that it is not something more serious.
The most serious condition that this lump may represent is a cancer specifically testicular cancer. If you have seen a doctor who examined this lesion and told you it was alright,then I would recommend a follow-up with a urologist and possibly obtaining a scrotal ultrasound. We have many specialists in this area. If you would like to see someone  at Henry Ford Hospital in Urology call [phone].
HFHS-MD  KR
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