lump

[corycharm]

Ok, I've had a lump of some sort in my scrotom for several months now. It feels mushy and also feels as if it's connected to my testicle. I thought that it could be a possible hernia but I would like to know if it could be a possible type of cancer. Please help me. Much appreciated

[corycharm]

I never paid any attention to it changing in size, but after u mentioned it I put my hand on it and coughed and yes it does seem to slightly expand. But normally it is the size of a pinch of play dough pulled off with the whole of your forefinger and thumb.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  How large is that mass?  Do you feel it temporarily getting bigger when you cough, or does the size remain the same? Testicular cancer usually presents with a firm to hard, painless mass, so your "mushy" lump is probably not cancer.  If the size of the lump varies with coughing or straining, then that's probably a hernia rather than cancer.  However, do have yourself checked by a doctor, preferably a urologist, so you can be sure about what that lump really is.

[PaulMD]

Hi there!

Suffice to say that lumps like these are mostly non-cancerous in nature. They can be hernias (a segment of intestine stuck in your scrotum), hydrocoeles (fluid collection in your scrotum), or varicocoeles (abnormal clumps of veins).  I suggest you consult with your primary care physician so that he can evaluate you properly.  He can perform some physical tests and can request other laboratory exams like ultrasound to establish the nature of the lump.  If your doctor should suspect cancer (relatively small chance, but possible), he would recommend a biopsy to be done.

Regards...