Scrotal Masses

To find out what kind of scrotal mass you have, you may need tests such as:

• A physical exam. During this exam, a doctor or other health care professional feels your scrotum, its contents and nearby areas of the groin while you stand and lie down.
• Transillumination. Shining a bright light through the scrotum might provide information about the size, location and makeup of a scrotal mass.
• Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to make an image of the inside of the body. It can provide detailed information about the size, location and makeup of a scrotal mass. It also can show the condition of the testicles. An ultrasound often is needed to diagnose a scrotal mass.
• Urine test. Lab tests of a sample of urine might find an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. A urine test also might detect the presence of blood or pus in the urine.
• Blood test. Lab tests of a blood sample might find a bacterial or viral infection. Or they might detect higher levels of certain proteins that are linked with testicular cancer.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan. If other tests show you have testicular cancer, you’ll likely get this series of X-rays. A CT scan of your chest, stomach area and groin can check to see if cancer has spread to other tissues or organs.