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Urology (Expert Forum)
Testicular hydrocele/epididimytis/cancer? If not what is it?
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.
Testicular hydrocele/epididimytis/cancer? If not what is it?
by David__0__0, Nov 23, 1998 12:00AM
When I was about 10 or 11 I discovered a small lump on my right testicle. I told my mother and we went to a urologist. He said that it had something to do with the development of testes and he explained how they are formed (ladders) and that there was nothing to worry about.
I am now 28 and recently had some pain in that testicle as though I had been kicked there. I went to the doctor and we talked and he said that it was epididimytis, even though I am not sexually active at this time. I am on antibiotics. He also ordered a ultra sound which showed a small hydrocele in both testicles.
I am worried about cancer. Any thoughts?
Can a hydrocele cause pain like described?
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Dear David,
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 of sperm containing fluid which is usually located at the head of epididymis. Both of these can cause the finding of a fluid collection on ultrasound. Hydroceles can be associated with pain. If a hydrocele is associated with inflammation ( like epididymitis), pain secondary to the infection of the epididymis or the hydrocele can occur.
Testicular cancer usually is first noticed as a lump on the testicle. It may be painful. However, most often it is painless. Associated hydroceles can occur. But, in your case, there was no mass seen. Therefore, it is very unlikely that you have a testicular cancer. If you are very concerned, a repeat ultrasound could be obtained. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).
HFHS MD-KR
*keyword : Epididymitis
I am now 28 and recently had some pain in that testicle as though I had been kicked there. I went to the doctor and we talked and he said that it was epididimytis, even though I am not sexually active at this time. I am on antibiotics. He also ordered a ultra sound which showed a small hydrocele in both testicles.
I am worried about cancer. Any thoughts?
Can a hydrocele cause pain like described?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear David,
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 of sperm containing fluid which is usually located at the head of epididymis. Both of these can cause the finding of a fluid collection on ultrasound. Hydroceles can be associated with pain. If a hydrocele is associated with inflammation ( like epididymitis), pain secondary to the infection of the epididymis or the hydrocele can occur.
Testicular cancer usually is first noticed as a lump on the testicle. It may be painful. However, most often it is painless. Associated hydroceles can occur. But, in your case, there was no mass seen. Therefore, it is very unlikely that you have a testicular cancer. If you are very concerned, a repeat ultrasound could be obtained. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).
HFHS MD-KR
*keyword : Epididymitis
