What causes a hard lump under the testicle?

Generally, a hard lump below the testicle may be caused by individual differences or congenital factors, blockage of scrotal hair follicles, epididymitis or orchitis, varicocele, or epididymal tuberculosis. Patients need to monitor changes, follow medical advice for medication, or undergo surgical treatment. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the cause, and proceed with treatment accordingly. Details are as follows:

1. Individual differences or congenital factors: Some patients may develop localized tissue hyperplasia or nodules below the testicle due to individual differences or congenital factors. Such hyperplasia or nodules are usually benign and do not significantly affect health. Special treatment is generally unnecessary, but patients are advised to monitor for changes regularly and seek medical attention if abnormalities occur.

2. Blockage of scrotal hair follicles: Blockage of hair follicles on the scrotal skin may lead to folliculitis and subsequently form a hard lump. This is often caused by poor personal hygiene, inadequate local cleansing, or wearing tight underwear. Maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the scrotal area is key. The scrotum can be washed with mild cleansing products, and wearing tight underwear should be avoided.

3. Epididymitis or orchitis: Epididymitis and orchitis are common male reproductive system diseases, usually caused by bacterial or viral infections. These inflammations can cause swelling and pain in the epididymis or testicles, forming a hard lump below the testicle, often accompanied by high fever. Medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules, and cefuroxime axetil tablets may be used under medical guidance for pain relief and antibacterial treatment.

4. Varicocele: Varicocele refers to abnormal elongation, dilation, and tortuosity of the pampiniform venous plexus, forming nodule-like swellings similar to hard masses. This may be related to venous valve insufficiency, impaired venous return, and other factors, manifesting as a feeling of heaviness and dull pain in the scrotum. Medications such as sodium aescinate tablets, diosmin tablets, and aspirin enteric-coated capsules may be used under a doctor's guidance to reduce inflammation and improve venous tone.

5. Epididymal tuberculosis: Epididymal tuberculosis is a specific inflammation caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the epididymis. Tubercle bacilli stimulate hyperplasia of the epididymal tissue, forming hard nodules, often accompanied by low-grade fever. Anti-tuberculosis medications such as rifampicin capsules, ethambutol hydrochloride tablets, and isoniazid tablets may be used under medical guidance to kill the tuberculosis bacteria.

Radical orchiectomy or surgical removal of solitary metastatic lesions may be performed, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery.