Pathology refers to the careful examination of tissue under a microscope to find out whether it's cancerous or non-cancerous and to determine the type of tumour it is. Different types of tumours or swellings can affect the testicles.
Benign conditions
Benign conditions are non-cancerous swellings or growths that do not spread to other parts of the body and are not usually life-threatening:
- orchitis – painful swelling of the testicles caused by bacterial or viral infection
- epididymitis – painful swelling of the epididymis caused by infection
- hydrocele – painless swelling caused by an abnormal collection of fluid between the testicles and the scrotal sac
- spermatocele – a cyst with a collection of sperm that forms in the epididymis
- varicocele – swelling caused by pooling of blood in the spermatic cord veins
- hematocele – a collection of blood beneath the tunica vaginalis (the outer layer of a tough fibrous capsule enclosing the testicle), due to trauma to the testicle
- scrotal hematoma – swelling caused by the collection of blood in the scrotal sac wall as a result of trauma
- testicular torsion – a painful condition caused by the abnormal twisting of testicle and spermatic cord
- This obstructs the blood supply to the testicle and requires urgent surgical care.
- inguinal hernia – groin or scrotal swelling that happens when the intestine or other abdominal contents stick out through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Pain may result from squeezing of the hernia at the level of the abdominal wall – also referred to as strangulated inguinal hernia, which requires urgent surgical care.
Benign tumours
Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths that do not spread to other parts of the body and are not usually life-threatening:
- benign germinal tumours
- benign gonadal stromal tumours
- other benign tumours
- epidermoid cyst
- lipoma
- hemangioma
- fibroma
Precancerous conditions
Precancerous conditions have the potential to develop into cancer. Carcinoma in situ (CIS), also known as intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN), is the precancerous condition found in the testicles. This leads to the development of invasive germ cell tumours in about 5 years.
Malignant tumours
Malignant tumours are cancerous growths that have the potential to metastasize (spread to other parts of the body):
- germ cell tumours
- other rare tumours
- stromal tumours
- testicular tumours caused by lymphoma and leukemia
- metastatic cancers that spread to the testicles
Once the type of tumour has been diagnosed, the doctor will also consider:
- the grade of the tumour (how abnormal the cancer cells look and behave)
- the stage of the cancer
- prognostic factors (special characteristics that might influence the course of the disease)
- survival statistics for the particular type and stage of cancer
All of this information helps the doctor make a treatment plan.
See a list of questions to ask your doctor about pathology and staging.