| Updated: 4/11/2007 4:47 pm |
Published: 4/11/2007 4:47 pm |
The most common cause of enlarged testicles is an infection that causes
inflammation of the epididymis (ep-uh-DID-ih-mis), a long coiled tube
behind each testicle. Typically, there's pain in the testicles, often
accompanied by a red and swollen scrotum. Other causes of testicular
enlargement include painless and usually harmless cysts or excess fluid in
the membrane surrounding the testicles, a condition known as a
hydrocele (HIGH-droe-seel). Varicose veins, in which one of the veins
that drains the testicles becomes dilated, can also cause enlarged
testicles. Cancer of the testicle mainly affects young men, so testicular
enlargement in a man under 30 should be examined as soon as possible.
It may indicate the presence of testicular cancer or a pre-cancerous
condition. But regardless of age, prompt examination is recommended
for anyone with an enlarged testicle. Treatment may include
antibiotics, pain killers, ice packs, elevation of the groin area, or in
some cases, surgery. For more information on enlarged testicles, talk to
a physician or urologist.
