Testicular & Scrotal Lumps Treatment Edinburgh | Private Urology Specialist

Medical Benefits:

• Relief from Discomfort: Removal of testicular lumps and cysts can alleviate pain, discomfort, and heaviness in the scrotum.
• Improved Fertility: Treatment of certain conditions, particularly varicoceles, may help improve fertility in some men.
• Prevention of Complications: Timely treatment can prevent complications such as infection or increasing size of the lump.
• Accurate Diagnosis: The procedure ensures a definitive diagnosis, ruling out more serious conditions.

Quality of Life Benefits:

• Enhanced Comfort: Elimination of physical discomfort allows for normal daily activities without pain.
• Reduced Anxiety: Confirmation that the lump is benign alleviates psychological distress.
• Improved Confidence: Many men report increased self-confidence after treatment.
• Return to Normal Activities: Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a short period.

Expected Outcomes: Most patients experience excellent outcomes following treatment of testicular lumps and cysts. The success rate for these procedures is very high, with most achieving complete resolution of symptoms. While there is always a small risk of recurrence with some conditions, the majority of patients experience permanent relief following proper surgical management.

Recovery is typically straightforward, with most men able to return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Any post-operative discomfort can usually be managed effectively with standard pain medication.

While treatment of testicular and scrotal lumps is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and considerations:

Common Side Effects:

• Temporary swelling and bruising of the scrotum
• Mild to moderate pain or discomfort, typically resolving within a few days
• Small risk of infection at the surgical site

Less Common Risks:

• Bleeding or haematoma (blood collection) requiring drainage
• Recurrence of the cyst or development of new cysts
• Chronic pain (rare)
• Damage to surrounding structures including blood vessels or the vas deferens (very rare)

Special Considerations:

• Men planning to have children should discuss potential fertility implications with their urologist, particularly for procedures involving the epididymis
• Patients taking blood-thinning medications may need to adjust their regimen before surgery
• Those with previous scrotal surgery may have a slightly higher risk of complications

At Waterfront Private Hospital Edinburgh, we take every precaution to minimise these risks. Our specialist urologists use meticulous surgical techniques and provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcomes.

1. What are the common types of testicular and scrotal lumps?
Testicular and scrotal lumps include several benign conditions: epididymal cysts (fluid-filled sacs in the epididymis), spermatoceles (sperm-filled cysts), hydroceles (fluid around the testicle), and varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum). While most lumps are non-cancerous, it’s important to have any new lump properly diagnosed by a specialist urologist.

2. How can I tell if a testicular lump is cancer?
While you cannot definitively diagnose cancer yourself, certain warning signs warrant immediate medical attention: a hard, painless lump that cannot be separated from the testicle, a heavy feeling in the testicle, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin. It’s important to remember that most lumps are benign, but prompt professional assessment is essential to rule out cancer. At Waterfront Hospital Edinburgh, we provide rapid assessment with ultrasound to determine the nature of any testicular lump.

3. Will I need surgery for my testicular lump or cyst?
Not all testicular lumps require surgery. Small, painless cysts that don’t cause symptoms may simply be monitored. However, surgery may be recommended if the lump is causing pain, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns, or if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis. Your urologist will discuss all available treatment options based on your specific condition.

4. How is surgery for testicular and scrotal lumps performed?
Surgery typically involves making a small incision in the scrotum to access and remove the lump or cyst. The specific technique varies depending on the type of lump. For hydroceles, the fluid is drained and part of the sac may be removed. For varicoceles, the affected veins are tied off. These procedures are usually performed under local or general anaesthesia as a day case.

5. Is the procedure painful?
You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure as it’s performed under anaesthesia. After surgery, some discomfort and swelling are normal, but these can typically be managed effectively with pain medication. Most patients describe the post-operative discomfort as moderate and manageable.

6. How long does recovery take?
Most patients can return to desk work within a few days. Complete recovery usually takes 1-2 weeks, though you should avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and sports for 2-3 weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance based on your specific procedure and healing progress.

7. Will the lump or cyst come back after treatment?
While the recurrence rate is generally low, some types of testicular lumps can return. Epididymal cysts and hydroceles have a recurrence rate of approximately 5-10%. Your urologist will discuss the likelihood of recurrence based on your specific condition and chosen treatment method.

8. Will treatment affect my fertility?
Most treatments for common testicular lumps and cysts have minimal or no impact on fertility. In fact, treating conditions like varicoceles may actually improve fertility in some men. However, any surgery in this area carries a small theoretical risk of affecting reproductive structures. Your urologist will discuss any potential fertility implications before proceeding with treatment.

9. How do I prepare for testicular lump surgery?
Preparation typically includes avoiding blood-thinning medications as directed by your surgeon, arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure, and bringing supportive underwear or a scrotal support. You’ll receive specific pre-operative instructions during your consultation at Waterfront Private Hospital Edinburgh.

10. When should I see a doctor about a testicular lump?
You should see a doctor promptly if you notice any new lump, swelling, or pain in your testicle or scrotum. While most lumps are benign, early assessment is important to rule out more serious conditions and to address any issues before they cause complications or significant discomfort. Don’t delay seeking medical attention due to embarrassment – urologists are specialists in these conditions and provide professional, understanding care.

11. Will I need an ultrasound scan?
Yes, an ultrasound scan is usually performed as part of the diagnostic process. This painless imaging test provides detailed information about the nature of the lump, helping your urologist determine the most appropriate treatment approach. At Waterfront Private Hospital Edinburgh, we offer comprehensive assessment including ultrasound scanning during your consultation.

12. Can testicular cysts go away on their own?
Some small cysts or swellings may resolve without treatment, particularly if they are related to infection or inflammation. However, most established cysts, hydroceles, and varicoceles will not disappear spontaneously and may gradually increase in size over time. If a lump has been present for more than two weeks, it’s unlikely to resolve on its own. Your urologist can advise whether watchful waiting is appropriate for your specific condition or if treatment would be beneficial.

13. How much does testicular lump surgery cost?
The cost of treatment for testicular lumps and cysts depends on the specific condition, the complexity of the procedure required, and whether local or general anaesthesia is needed. At Waterfront Private Hospital Edinburgh, we provide transparent pricing and detailed quotes following your initial consultation, when your urologist has assessed your specific condition. Our administrative team can provide information about payment options and answer any questions you may have about fees.

14. Why choose Waterfront Private Hospital Edinburgh for testicular lump treatment?
Waterfront Private Hospital Edinburgh offers expert urological care with specialists who have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating testicular and scrotal conditions. Our modern facilities, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and compassionate approach ensure you receive the highest standard of care in a discreet and comfortable environment. We pride ourselves on providing prompt appointments, thorough assessment, and personalised treatment plans for all our patients.

15. What’s the difference between a cancerous and non-cancerous testicular lump?
Cancerous testicular lumps are typically hard, painless, and cannot be separated from the testicle itself. They usually affect only one testicle and may cause a feeling of heaviness. Non-cancerous lumps like cysts, hydroceles, and varicoceles often feel separate from the testicle, may be present on both sides, can be soft or fluctuant, and often change size with position or activity. However, only a proper medical examination with ultrasound can definitively distinguish between them. This is why we offer same-day ultrasound assessment at Waterfront Private Hospital Edinburgh.