If you have a cyst, lump or bump on the skin of your scrotum and you have been quietly ignoring it, you are definitely not the only one.
We see this more often than you might think.
Some men have noticed something there for months. Others have left it for years.
Usually the reasons are pretty simple.
It feels embarrassing.
You are not sure who to ask.
You are worried the doctor might think it is unusual.
Or you are worried that if it needs to be removed, it is going to hurt.
At Skin Cancer Canberra Clinic, men regularly mention cysts, lumps and other skin changes on the scrotum during their skin check.
And very often, once we’ve had a look and talked it through, the reaction is usually something like:
“I should have just mentioned this ages ago.”
There is nothing to be embarrassed about
We understand that asking a doctor to look at something on your scrotum can feel awkward.
But for a doctor, it really is just another area of skin.
Our doctors examine moles, cysts, lumps, skin tags and other skin changes all over the body every day.
There is no judgement and no need to feel embarrassed.
If something has been bothering you, catching on your clothing, or simply sitting there for a long time, it’s worth mentioning.
What is a scrotal cyst?
Some lumps that develop in the skin of the scrotum are benign skin cysts.
They can be very small or quite noticeable.
Some men have one. Others may have several.
They may never cause any trouble at all, but sometimes they can become irritated, inflamed, infected or uncomfortable simply because of where they are.
It is also important to remember that not every lump in or around the scrotum is a simple skin cyst.
That is why having it examined is always better than trying to diagnose it yourself.
Will removing a scrotal cyst hurt?
This is probably one of the biggest concerns we hear.
And understandably so.
The thought of having any procedure done in that area isn’t exactly appealing.
If a superficial skin cyst is suitable for removal, the area is usually numbed first with local anaesthetic.
You may feel the local anaesthetic injection, but once the area is properly numb, you should not feel sharp pain during the procedure.
Before anything is done, the doctor will walk you through the procedure, what recovery involves, wound care, possible risks, and whether removal is actually the right option for you.
There is also no pressure to have something removed just because you have asked us to look at it.
Sometimes the best thing to do is simply leave it alone.
Can I ask about it during my skin cancer check?
Yes. Absolutely.
In fact, a skin check is an easy opportunity to bring up something you might otherwise keep putting off.
If there is a lump, cyst or skin change on your scrotum or groin that you want checked, you do not need to explain it perfectly.
You can simply say:
“I’ve got a lump here that I’d like you to have a look at.”
That is all you need to say.
The doctor can examine the area and talk you through what it is likely to be and whether it needs monitoring, treatment, removal or further investigation.
If removal is appropriate, this may need to be booked as a separate procedure.
Please do not assume every scrotal lump is a cyst
This is important.
A small lump sitting in the skin is very different from a lump that feels like it’s inside the scrotum or within the testicle itself.
There are many possible causes of lumps in this area.
Some are harmless. Others need further investigation.
If you notice a new lump, swelling, persistent pain, enlargement of a testicle or anything that does not feel right, please have it assessed.
If you develop sudden or severe testicular pain, seek urgent medical attention.
You have probably spent longer worrying about it than the examination will take
This is probably the part we want men to hear most.
You do not have to keep wondering what it is.
You do not have to wait until it becomes painful.
And you certainly do not have to avoid mentioning it because you feel embarrassed.
To you, it may feel very personal.
To the doctor, it is simply healthcare.
Book a skin check in Canberra
If you live in Canberra, Queanbeyan or surrounding areas and you have a mole, cyst, lump or skin lesion that you have been meaning to have checked, book an appointment.
You do not need to know what it is beforehand.
That is what the appointment is for.
Skin Cancer Canberra Clinic, Manuka
Call the clinic or book your skin check and let our team know if there is a particular cyst, lump or skin lesion you would like the doctor to examine.
Do not let embarrassment be the reason you keep putting it off.
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