A lump at the base of the scrotum

Genital infection is a common disease in men. Among them, a lump at the base of the scrotum is a type of male genital infection. The so-called lump is a hard lump protruding from the place where the scrotum connects to the inner thigh, like a tendon or blood vessel bulging in the middle. It may rub against your thigh when you walk. There are many reasons for the lump at the base of the scrotum. The following are the most common ones.

1. Related to the abdomen

Although the scrotum is located in the front and lower part of the pelvis, its internal structure is often connected to the abdomen. If you pinch the mass at the base of the scrotum with two fingers and the mass is completely under the fingers, it is an intrascrotal mass; if the mass is between the fingers, it may have descended from the abdomen. Masses that descend from the abdomen are mostly inguinal hernias (also known as small intestinal hernias) or varicocele. The former is mostly in the form of lumps, while the latter is in the form of cords, and in severe cases it looks like a tangled ball of earthworms. Their common feature is that they can disappear after lying flat.

2. Solid and cystic material

Is it solid or cystic? It is very important to distinguish whether it is solid or cystic in the nature of the scrotal mass. Solid masses are mostly tumors or inflammations. Cystic masses are mostly cysts or effusions. Solid masses are harder, while cystic masses are softer or elastic. When a flashlight is used to shine upward on the bottom of the scrotum in a dark room, solid masses appear dark black, while cystic masses are translucent and red. If it is still difficult to distinguish, you can go to the hospital for B-ultrasound to confirm.

3. Unexplained lumps

Generally speaking, solid masses with pain are mostly inflammation, while painless masses may be tumors or tuberculosis. Painful masses outside the testicles may be epididymitis. Painless masses outside the testicles may be tuberculous epididymitis or adenomatous tumors; painful masses in the testicles may be orchitis or testicular torsion, and painless masses may be testicular tumors.

4. Enlarged lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body and are important immune organs of the human body. According to their location, they can be divided into superficial lymph nodes and deep lymph nodes. Normal lymph nodes are mostly 0.2 to 0.5 cm in size and are often distributed in groups. Each group of lymph nodes collects lymph from the corresponding drainage area. For example, the lymph nodes behind the ear and in the mastoid area collect lymph from the scalp; the submandibular lymph node group collects lymph from the floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, gums, etc.; the cervical lymph nodes collect lymph from the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, thyroid, etc.; the supraclavicular lymph node group collects lymph from the esophagus, stomach and other organs on the left side, and collects lymph from the trachea, pleura, lungs, etc. on the right side; the axillary lymph node group collects lymph from the upper trunk, breast, chest wall, etc.; the inguinal lymph node group collects lymph from the lower limbs and perineum.