Overview
Testicular cancer is most common in young men.
Painless lumps should be checked.
When to get medical care
Causes
Causes include cysts, infections, and cancer.
OwieClear has pages on 5 conditions that can cause lump in a testicle. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Testicle lump (needs checking)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
A new lump, hardness, or heaviness in a testicle.
- Testicular cancerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Cancer of a testicle, the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 35.
- Nonseminoma (nonseminomatous germ cell tumor)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
One of the two main types of testicular cancer, usually in men ages 15 to 35.
- SeminomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
One of the two main types of testicular cancer, usually in men ages 25 to 45.
- Testicular sex cord-stromal tumors (Leydig and Sertoli cell)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Uncommon testicular tumors from the hormone-making cells.
What you can do at home
- Do monthly self-checks.
Medicines
Depends on cause.
At the doctor
Ultrasound checks.
Questions you may be asked
- Lump
The exam
A testicle exam.
Tests
- Ultrasound
Prevention
Self-checks.
- Check monthly
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.