Testicular Mass: After Your Visit
Your Care Instructions
A lump or mass in your testicle may be a minor problem, or it may be more serious. Minor causes include a buildup of fluid, a cyst, or a varicose vein in your scrotum. More serious causes include infection or a tumour.
You may have an ultrasound, X-rays, a CT scan to find out what is causing the mass. Or you may have a blood test.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, take an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Learn how to check your testicles so you can see if the lump changes.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe pain in a testicle. It could be a sign of a twisted testicle. This is an emergency.
- You have new or worsening pain in a testicle.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You have a new or growing mass in a testicle.
- You see a change in a testicle.
- You are not getting better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter H806 in the search box to learn more about "Testicular Mass: After Your Visit".
Current as of: November 15, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
