Are you here after noticing you’re testicles swelling. Although not normally a reason for concern, it is however always a good idea to check out something that bothers you, and especially more so if it is linked to a health matter.

First you’re not to panic because you have swollen testicles; because there may be a perfectly simple explanation why they have swelled up. Let us look at some of the possible causes that could have give reason for this problem. Some causes we associate with swollen testicles are Hydrocele, Varicocele, and cysts. A reasonable explanation for why testicles swell is due to build up of harmless fluids, which when you think about it accounts for the way they look “full and heavy.” Swollen testicles on the other hand can also be a symptom of testicular cancer.

Hydrocele is common in newborn infants and the elderly but can also affect any age group. It happens as a result of fluids stocking up between the two membranes that cover the testicles. One or both testicles can swell. This specific condition shows swelling gradually increase over the weeks and running into months. Swelling does not normally bring pain to the patient. If the testicles appear chronically swollen, medical intervention may be necessary. Pressure causing the testicles to swell will need releasing. To do this may include withdrawing fluid out of the testicular membrane using a fine needle. (fine needle aspiration can be painful process.)

Testicular cysts, also known as spermatocele are fluid-filled cysts that develop on the epididymis. Spermatocele contain sperm and normally show on the top section of the epdidymis. As like hydrocele, testicular cysts are not known to cause pain, and the good news about genital cysts is they do not typically require treatment. Having said this there are particular cysts that might need surgery. Surgery or needle aspiration might be imminent if the spermatocele is big and affecting the look of the scrotum.

Varicocele another cause behind swollen testicles developing. This happens when blood flow inside the spermatic cord veins becomes thwarted, resulting in a swollen scrotum. When standing erect the swollen veins in the scrotum may feel like a “bag of worms.” Not a nice description but the best that can be given. Swelling of the scrotum appears not as severe when the man is lying flat on his back. 15% of the male species at some point in their lives will experience an episode of this. It is not a dangerous condition; however one associated with 35 percent of male infertility cases. Surgery is normally only carried out to correct this condition if fertility is giving cause for concern. It is important to have your GP check you over so you can eliminate the possibility of it being testicular cancer

Swelling of the scrotum has in some cases been seen as a symptom of testicular cancer. However not all cases of a swollen scrotum is, it is more likely the outcome of another disorder.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of testicular cancer is a lump, irregularity or swelling in one testicle. Other likely symptoms include:

A pulling feeling or strange heaviness in the scrotum

A dull throbbing in the groin/lower abdomen

Odd pain spasms in the testicle or scrotum

Tenderness or enlargement of tissue around the breast

A sudden flood of fluid in the scrotum

Although the symptoms above have been pointed out as signs of testicular cancer, they do not always mean that is is testicular cancer. Nevertheless see your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms akin to the ones mentioned. Lower back pain, stomach pain or cough are other symptoms to look out for, which are known as a first sign.

Causes

Men born with a stubborn testicle which remains in the abdominal cavity rather than sliding into the scrotum may be at greater risk of developing testicular cancer.

Having a male family member who has had testicular cancer.

Fertility issues.

Having an uncommon complication of mumps called orchitis (testicle swelling and soreness.)

It is important to point out that having a vasectomy or injury to the testicles does not cause testicular cancer.

Diagnosis

We all see and feel lumps from time to time on the body, and even those in the scrotum nearly always turn out to be harmless Nonetheless if you have one or more of the symptoms above, seek medical advice. A physical examination may be performed by your doctor who may refer you to an urologist, a specialist specializing in the urinary organ. An ultrasound scan could be suggested so your GP can examine your testicles closer. If the ultrasound scan indicates signs of cancer, a surgical method called a biopsy will be done to clarify the finding. The biopsy will help determine what type of cancer has been detected. The biopsy will include removing a small amount of the tumor for further testing under a microscope in a laboratory. If the biopsy confirms cancer the doctor will remove the affected part of the testicle.

The upsetting thing about cancer is, it cannot be prevented; however you can reduce the threats that put you at risk for particular cancers. Sadly testicular cancer is not a cancer you can help reduce the risks because the usual risk factors are out of man’s jurisdiction, and they include age, race, and conditions occurring at birth. Hearing this is good reason for any man to feel despondent but you are not to let this happen. Stop despondency, and for overall healthy follow a healthy diet that will give your body the essential nutrients it needs, and take up exercise. This alone will make you feel good. A healthy body has more power to fight illness and disease if it is in good shape.

The best advice to all fella’s is, we are all scared and this doesn’t make you any less of a man if you’re feared. You may well be able to hold your own up against the next guy in a punch up but trying to fight something you can’t see then its game over. Let your GP do the fighting. You can only win this battle the quicker your GP knows about it. Seek medical help sooner than later, it makes sense if you want to beat this.