Testicular Mass: Care Instructions

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 tumor.

You may have an ultrasound, an X-ray, or 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 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.
Be safe with medicines. 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 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 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 http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter H806 in the search box to learn more about "Testicular Mass: Care Instructions".

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.