Question: Left testicle larger than right one – could this be a hernia as my doctor suggests – I have no pain and it has been like this for over a year?
Answer: Testis swelling can be unilateral or bilateral in the scrotal sac. Testis swelling can be painless or painful, generally testicular swelling is the result of accumulation of fluid in it, but some time there may be painless swelling resulting due to cancer of the testis which is hard to feel, unlike soft and palpable swelling in case of hydrocele.
Causes of Swollen Left Testicle with No Pain
Some of the reasons of painless testicular swelling of left side are:
- Due to descending hernia which may be retractable or non retractable, in retractable hernia the swelling subside in lying down position
- Hydrocele is one o the most common cause of painless swelling of testis, it is due to the accumulation of fluid in between two membranes of the testis, it is palpable and fluctuating
- Varicocele is also one of the painless conditions of swollen testicle.It is due to engorgement of the veins of the testis, it does not cause any trouble usually but can be one of the reason for sterility in males.
- Cancer of testis can also present itself as painless swelling but the difference is that it is stony hard.
Investigation advised: Ultrasound of testis, color dopler study of testicular vein.
If hernia is present, there may be swelling in the inguinal region with testicular swelling