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Testicular lumps: what's the difference?

Hydrocele and epididymal cysts are types of testicular lumps and swellings:

  • Hydrocele is a swelling caused by fluid around the testicle
  • Epidydimal cysts are lumps caused by a collection of fluid in the epididymis, which is a long-coiled tube behind the testicles

Lumps, swellings or changes to the testicles should always be checked out. You can book treatment for testicular lumps with one of our Consultants by completing our online booking form or by calling our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.

I have a question about testicular lumps and swellings

Mr Steve Garnett, Consultant Urologist, discusses testicular lumps and bumps, including hydrocele and epidydimal cysts (3 videos)
Video transcript

What is hydrocele?

A hydrocele is a painless swelling and a collection of fluid around the testicle itself. So, patients usually notice that the testicle is swollen up. It's not painful, but it can be quite large and it's simply due to fluid accumulating around the testicle.

What does a testicular lump feel like?

There are a number of different testicular lumps. So, hydrocele is just a collection of fluid around the testicle itself. And in that situation, you can't actually feel the testicle, you can just feel a smooth swelling around the testicle.

Epidydimal cysts cause a little bit of swelling separate from the testicle. And the only thing that would be really worrying would be if you could feel a lump within the testicle itself.

What causes hydrocele in adults?

Hydrocele in adults is generally unknown in cause. So, it can be due to infection or trauma or other things. But in the vast majority of men, there's no obvious cause. It's just accumulation of fluid, and we don't really know why.

What’s the treatment for hydrocele or epidydimal cysts

Some may not require any treatment and may just disappear on their own (this can occur in babies, for example). If a lump causes pain or discomfort it may be possible to have it surgically removed.

What happens during treatment for hydrocele or epidydimal cysts?

Treatment for a testicular lump will depend on the underlying cause of the lump. Our Consultant Urologists will discuss your treatment plan, and whether a surgical or non-surgical option is right for you.

How much does treatment for hydrocele or epidydimal cysts cost?

For details of the treatment, and how much hydrocele and an epidydimal cyst treatment costs, please complete our online quotation form or call our Private Patient Team on 01580 363158.

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Our Consultant Urological Surgeons

Mr Garnett

Steve Garnett

Consultant Urologist

Mr Garnett's specialties include prostate disease, kidney surgery and treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Mr Moore

James Moore

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Mr Moore's specialties include overactive bladder and cystitis.

Mr Karl Spiteri

Karl Spiteri

Consultant Urologist

Mr Spiteri's specialities include Circumcision, Frenuloplasty, Prosthetic testis insertion and TURP.

Contact us about treatment for a testicular lump or swelling

It's easy to find out more about treatment by giving us a call or completing our enquiry form.